Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Physical Therapy in FL?

Sustaining a workplace accident can be incredibly frustrating, especially when the recovery process is long and arduous. As such, your physician may require you to undergo physical therapy before returning to work. However, you may wonder if this is covered by workers’ compensation. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog explores what you should know about this type of treatment, if it’s covered, and the importance of working with a Florida workers’ compensation attorney to help you through these difficult times.

What Is Physical Therapy and When Is It Necessary?

Physical therapy is a treatment that those who suffer an injury undergo to help increase strength and mobility following an accident. This can be used for a wide array of injuries, including broken bones, sprains and strains, back injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries.

This kind of treatment relies on a number of stretches, movements, and exercises. Your physical therapist, who is a certified healthcare professional, will create an individualized treatment plan for you based on the type of injury, its location, and severity. How long you require treatment will also depend on the circumstances of your injury.

In order for physical therapy to be covered by workers’ compensation, you should note that you must be referred by your treating physician. Additionally, the insurance company must approve the referral first. If the insurance company fails to approve the referall within a specified time period, which is generally ten days in Florida, the request is considered granted as the insurance adjuster will lose the right to dispute the treatment as medically unnecessary.

How Long Will Workers’ Compensation Cover This Treatment?

In general, workers’ compensation will cover the cost of physical therapy so long as it’s deemed medically necessary by your healthcare provider. As mentioned, this will depend on the circumstances of your injury as well as your ability to recover.

It’s also important to understand that if you are not making progress through physical therapy, your treatment plan may be adjusted to find another treatment option that can help improve your condition. As such, coverage may end if it’s no longer deemed effective for you. Additionally, while some states impose limits on the number of visits or the overall duration of physical therapy, Florida does not. However, chiropractic services, which can sometimes be used in conjunction with physical therapy, are limited to 12 weeks or 24 visits.

When you are injured in Florida, it’s important to understand that you have a number of rights when receiving physical therapy. As such, if you face any issues, such as the denial of this care or you disagree with the claim that this care is no longer needed, it’s in your best interest to work with an experienced attorney. At the Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore, our team understands how important these matters are for your health and well-being, which is why we are committed to helping you fight for the care you need. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.