Workers' Compensation
Experience Excellence at the Region’s Most Preferred Orthopedic Practice
At Advanced Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our specialty-trained workers’ compensation doctors are dedicated leaders who are committed to providing excellence in orthopedic care that is focused on employees.
Our workers’ compensation specialists are committed to providing outstanding, patient-centered care to injured employees. With years of experience and medical training, our workers’ compensation doctors excel in thoroughly and accurately assessing, diagnosing, and treating injured employees with work-related injuries, such as overuse injuries, sprains, and overexertion injuries. Our medical specialists also offer injured employees a wide array of traditional treatment methods as well as state-of-the-art surgeries.
No matter what on-the-job injury or condition you are suffering from, you can count on our doctors specializing in work-related injuries to provide the compassionate, individualized care you need to get back to work.
Our workers’ compensation program is designed to benefit both employees and employers and offers a multitude of advantages, including:
- Prompt evaluation and treatment
- Same-day appointments when necessary
- Timely responses and progress updates
Additionally, we offer the following workers' compensation–related services:
- Work conditioning
- Job task analysis
- Ergonomic assessments and recommendations
- Functional capacity evaluations
- Permanent partial impairment (PPI) ratings
And for your convenience, we offer rehab services within our office. Our 20,000-square-foot facility is equipped with state-of-the-art therapeutic and exercise equipment designed to aid you in achieving a complete recovery as quickly and as safely as possible.
Our Workers’ Compensation Coordinator
Tabema Miles, R.T. (R)
To provide a trouble-free process, Tabema Miles serves as your one point of contact to address questions and concerns, so you can expect prompt updates and reports. With extensive experience and training in healthcare, administration, and workers’ compensation, Tabema helps all parties stay in the know throughout the work injury and recovery process.
Contact Information
Phone: (270) 926-9044
Email: tmiles@ac4o.com
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How Does Workers’ Compensation Work?
Our medical experts at Advanced Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are committed to taking a patient-centered approach to care to provide each injured employee with the best treatment solution. Starting with the first appointment, our team will draw on all the information provided by the injured employee and any additional documentation as part of the diagnostic process. They will order any necessary tests and exams and deliver a comprehensive diagnosis, consulting with the entire healthcare team and representatives needed before taking the next steps in treatment.
When developing a personalized treatment plan, our workers’ compensation doctors will first recommend any applicable conservative treatment options. These nonsurgical treatments may include receiving physical therapy from a physical therapist, wearing a brace, taking a prescribed medication, or undergoing occupational therapy. Many times, these medical treatments can bring about gradual improvements that can greatly reduce or eliminate the pain you are experiencing from your workplace injury.
However, if nonoperative care is not effective, your orthopedic surgeon will discuss your surgical options and help you determine which surgery is right for your work-related condition or injury. Rest assured that our surgical experts not only have the expertise and exceptional skills needed to perform the required surgery, but they also have access to leading-edge surgical equipment, which helps to ensure the best outcomes possible.
If our medical experts believe that a special type of surgery is the best option for your work-related issue, they will educate you on the full process and the steps involved in your recovery. Our workers’ compensation specialists will also answer any questions you may have about your injury or the recommended procedure, and they will keep your employer, insurer, and case manager informed of the treatment plan as well as your progress and status throughout the entire process.
Our Process
If you're injured on the job, notify your employer immediately, ideally in writing. Your employer or a designated claims adjuster will help you file a workers' compensation claim. Seek medical attention from a healthcare provider approved by your employer or insurance company. An experienced work injury expert can provide an accurate diagnosis, treatment, and a return-to-work plan, working with your employer.
Report Your Injury & Request an Appointment
After you notify your employer about your injury, confirm provider approval with your case manager. Next, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated work injury experts to get the diagnostics, care plan, and treatment you need to return to work.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Our experts take a patient-centered approach to provide the best treatment solution. Beginning with a precise diagnosis based on your reporting and test results, our team will work seamlessly with our workers’ compensation coordinator and your case manager to develop and deliver the treatment plan you need.
Recovery & Return to Work
Our care team will check in with you throughout your recovery, including any physical or occupational therapy needed. Your providers will work closely with you to reach the goal of a medically safe and comfortable return to work.
Workers’ Compensation Resources
Here are some helpful online resources for injured workers and case managers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I seek medical attention for a workplace injury?
If you've sustained a workplace injury and are experiencing any of the following, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention:
- Discomfort or tenderness following a slip, trip, or fall
- Inability to move the affected body part
- Pain following an accident in the work environment
- Pain that increases with movement or pressure
- Visible deformity after an accident, such as a car accident
What types of workplace injuries does workers' compensation cover?
Workers' compensation covers a wide range of workplace injuries, including:
Acute injuries: Sudden injuries resulting from accidents, such as:
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Strains
- Dislocations
- Burns
- Cuts
Chronic injuries: Injuries that develop over time, such as:
- Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) like carpal tunnel syndrome
- Overuse injuries
- Occupational diseases (e.g., asbestos-related illnesses, occupational asthma)
What is the workers' compensation process?
- Report the Injury: Notify your employer immediately about the injury, ideally in writing.
- Seek Medical Treatment: Visit a healthcare provider approved by your employer or insurance company.
- File a Claim: Your employer or a designated claims adjuster will help you file a workers' compensation claim.
- Medical Treatment and Wage-Loss Benefits: You may receive medical treatment and wage-loss benefits while recovering.
- Return to Work: Work with your doctor and employer to develop a return-to-work plan.
What are prevention measures for workplace injuries?
To prevent workplace injuries, consider the following:
- Follow Safety Guidelines: Adhere to all safety guidelines and procedures provided by your employer.
- Use Safety Equipment: Wear appropriate safety equipment, such as hard hats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.
- Report Unsafe Conditions: If you notice any unsafe conditions in your workplace, report them to your supervisor immediately.
- Practice Good Ergonomics: Maintain good posture and take frequent breaks to prevent repetitive stress injuries.
- Stay Alert and Focused: Avoid distractions and pay attention to your surroundings.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist for my work injury?
In many cases, you will not need a referral to see a specialist for a work-related injury. However, it’s always best to check with your insurance provider to confirm. Our practice is in network with many insurance providers, making it easier for you to access the care you need.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
When you come to your first appointment, please bring the following:
- Your employer’s name and contact information
- Your insurance information
- A copy of your driver’s license
- A list of any medications you are currently taking
- A detailed description of your injury, including how it happened
How long will it take to recover from my work injury?
The recovery time for a work injury varies depending on the severity of the injury. Our orthopedic specialists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to help you recover as quickly as possible.
Can I return to work before I’m fully recovered?
In some cases, it may be possible to return to work with certain restrictions before you are fully recovered. Our doctors can provide you with a work release form that outlines any limitations or restrictions.