Does North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Cover Physical Therapy After a Neck Surgery?
December 5 , 2024A neck injury at work can lead to significant pain, limited mobility, and, in severe cases, the need for neck surgery. Recovery from such a procedure often requires extensive physical therapy to regain strength, mobility, and function.
For injured workers in North Carolina, understanding whether workers’ compensation covers physical therapy after neck surgery is a crucial step in planning for recovery. At Ramsay Law Firm P.A., our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys are here to explain your rights and help you navigate the claims process.
North Carolina Workers’ Compensation and Medical Benefits
Under North Carolina law, workers’ compensation provides medical benefits to employees who are injured on the job.
These benefits are designed to cover all necessary and reasonable medical expenses related to the workplace injury, including:
- Doctor visits.
- Hospital stays.
- Surgery.
- Prescription medications.
- Rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy.
If your neck injury and subsequent surgery were directly related to your injury at your job, workers’ compensation should cover the cost of physical therapy as part of your recovery plan.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Neck Surgery Recovery
Physical therapy is often a critical component of recovery following neck surgery.
It helps patients:
- Restore range of motion and flexibility.
- Strengthen muscles to support the neck and spine.
- Reduce pain and stiffness.
- Prevent further injury.
- Regain the ability to perform daily activities and return to work.
Your treating physician will typically prescribe physical therapy as part of your post-surgery treatment plan. This prescription is essential for ensuring workers’ compensation covers the therapy sessions.
Challenges in Obtaining Coverage for Physical Therapy
While workers’ compensation is supposed to cover necessary medical expenses, including physical therapy, disputes can arise.
Common challenges include:
- Denial of Coverage for Physical Therapy
Insurance companies may argue that physical therapy is unnecessary or that your condition does not warrant the prescribed sessions. This can delay your recovery and place an additional financial burden on you.
- Disputes Over the Number of Sessions
Even if physical therapy is approved, insurers may attempt to limit the number of sessions covered, leaving you without the entire course of treatment recommended by your doctor.
- Delays in Authorization
Workers’ compensation claims often require pre-approval for medical treatments. Delays in obtaining authorization for physical therapy can hinder your progress in recovery.
How Our Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Ramsay Law Firm P.A. Can Help
Navigating workers’ compensation claims for physical therapy after neck surgery can be challenging. Our experienced attorneys at Ramsay Law Firm P.A. are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the medical benefits you’re entitled to.
Here’s how we can assist:
- Advocating for Your Medical Needs: We work closely with your treating physician to document the necessity of physical therapy and counter any insurance company disputes.
- Appealing Denied Claims: If your workers’ compensation claim for physical therapy is denied, we will guide you through the appeals process and fight for approval.
- Ensuring Timely Authorization: We communicate with the insurance company to minimize delays and ensure you promptly receive the care you need.
If you’ve undergone neck surgery due to a workplace injury and are facing challenges obtaining workers’ compensation coverage for physical therapy, don’t navigate the process alone. Contact Ramsay Law Firm P.A. at 704-376-1616 or online for a free consultation. Our dedicated Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys will review your case, explain your rights, and work tirelessly to secure the benefits you deserve. Let us focus on your claim so you can focus on your recovery.
A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.
