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HAWAII WORKERS COMP: "SICKO" ON STEROIDS |
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HAWAII WORKERS COMP: "SICKO" ON STEROIDS
Having just seen Michael Moore's latest expose' on the 'profits before people' status of America's healthcare system, it must be pointed out that the deficiencies showcase in Moore's film are alive, well and even amplified in our very own Workers Compensation System. Though originally established to provide care for those injured in the line of their work duties, those who do not recover quickly are subject to a non-stop array of forced examinations by insurer-supported doctors, unwanted scruity and shadowing by insurance agents and care denials with a complete disregard to the patient's wishes and the recommedations of their treating physicians.
For some reason this has all been missed by Governor Lingle who is intent on vetoing two bills presently on her desk (SB 1060 and HB 855) designed to insure healthcare benefits to injured workers until a due process hearing at the Department of Labor rules otherwise. Such legislation insuring continuity of care promises a return on investment of over 20% per case by insuring expedient recovery and return to work versus the need to find a lawyer and go without care while waiting 4-6 months for a hearing.
With over 70% of Hawaii's doctors already refusing to see workers comp because of this patient and physician hostile environment, the governor's actions do little to make good on her stated priority to safeguard Hawaii's most valuable resource--its people.
Scott McCaffrey, MD
CEO-Work*Star Occupational Health
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Patients With Industrial Injuries |
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- If you have not already done so, report your injury as soon as possible to your supervisor or your company's workers' compensation coordinator. If more than 24 hours have elapsed from the time of injury, we advise that you report your injury in writing as well as verbally with a copy retained for your records. List any witnesses to the incident in addition to exactly where, when, and how it happened.
- Your Workstar™ physician will be designing a treatment program which will include follow-up doctor's office visits and possibly appointments for rehabilitative care. It is imperative that all scheduled appointments be attended since compliance and attendance are monitored by both your employer and your Workers' Compensation Insurance Carrier.
- If your physician has placed you on modified or "light" duty, be sure your work restriction profile (doctor's slip) is presented to your direct supervisor prior to returning to work. If you find that your assigned duties fall outside of the work restriction slip and/or you feel that your injury is at risk for aggravation, notify your supervisor as such. If, after notifying your supervisor, there is still an apparent threat of re-injury or aggravation, report immediately to your Workstar™ doctor's office.
- If you should notice any worsening of your condition that is not part of your treatment expectations, call you doctor's office or report for re-evaluation. Do not continue the activity that causes progressively worsening pain.
- Follow your doctor's orders and advice exactly. If there is any significant negative change in your status, call Workstar™ or walk in during business hours, otherwise use the Emergency Room at St. Francis Medical Center-West. The emergency room physician will contact your Workstar™ physician if needed for consultation regarding your case.
- Any letters or notifications you receive from your insurance company or the State Department of Labor should be shown to your doctor at your next visit.
Scott McCaffrey, MD.
Medical Director, CEO
Workstar™ Occupational Health & Injury Recovery |
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McCaffrey's Corner
