Travel Compensation

[J9LP]

Hello All. My doctor wants to refer me to a specialist in another state to review my ongoing medical issues from my work injury. Does workman's comp. have to pay for my travel and lodging expenses if my doctor wants to send me to another doctor? Do I have the option to fly rather than drive since the hospital is over 600 miles away?

Thanks again for all your help!

[Lilly]

J9LP,
Yes they must pay you for your mileage. You need to fill out a form (or a pc of paper) listing start & ending addresses and give an actual mile count to WC....they will reimburse you. I do not know about "flying"....but IMO, I doubt it (they are cheap). Someone else who is smarter than me, can & will answer that question for you shortly. So check back.
Take care, Lilly

[1171]

The rules are not same in every state; many states will not even pay for the consult unless they pre-approve the second opinion.
what state are you in?

[J9LP]

I live in Michigan. Should I call my comp. representative to make sure they'll even pay for the specialist appointment?

1171 Wrote:The rules are not same in every state; many states will not even pay for the consult unless they pre-approve the second opinion.
what state are you in?

[J9LP]

Thanks for the help. This whole comp. situation is a nightmare. And I wouldn't doubt it if they wouldn't pay me back for a flight.

Lilly Wrote:J9LP,
Yes they must pay you for your mileage. You need to fill out a form (or a pc of paper) listing start & ending addresses and give an actual mile count to WC....they will reimburse you. I do not know about "flying"....but IMO, I doubt it (they are cheap). Someone else who is smarter than me, can & will answer that question for you shortly. So check back.
Take care, Lilly

[1171]

If Michigan is like many states they'll pay based on the number of miles involved -- the choice of plane, train, or car is yours.
"The Department of Management and Budget has increased the travel reimbursement rate to $.485 per mile effective January 1, 2007. All other rates remain the same."
http://www.michigan.gov/wca/0,1607,7-191...--,00.html

[sparkey]

I honestly do not think they would pay for the flight, but will pay the mileage. That is about all you will get out of them from what i have been reading. Call your adjuster before you go and ask to make sure, and you said you are not sure if the appt. is paid for or not yet? First find out that before you do anything. Best of luck.