This blog entry highlights a common problem in the workers’ compensation system: workers’ compensation carriers unnecessarily spend money which adds to the overall cost of the system. The system provides that an injured worker may be reimbursed for mileage, tolls and parking fees associated with attending medical appointments for the work injury. One such client of mine was injured on the job when he was struck by a car while walking in a parking lot. Since then, he has undergone multiple surgeries and has had numerous medical appointments and physical therapy sessions. The workers’ compensation carrier has been able to verify attendance at these appointments because it is provided with copies of the medical records generated from such visits. As a result of this ongoing and extensive treatment, my client recently submitted a reimbursement request for mileage and $60 worth of tolls related to those appointments. While the workers’ compensation carrier has reimbursed his mileage, it is objecting to reimbursement of the tolls without evidence that he incurred same. In other words, the workers’ compensation carrier has paid my client mileage reimbursement for traveling from Point A to Point B, but it is thus far unwilling to pay for the tolls associated with the bridge which is right in the middle of that travel. Where is the added cost? There is a cost associated with the workers’ compensation carrier’s adjuster’s time. But, more significantly, the carrier is communicating through an attorney it had hired on this claim. The attorney time associated with this issue will easily eclipse the $60 tolls.
