Orthopedic Institute of Texas

WHAT IS WORKERS' COMPENSATION?

Workers' compensation first started in Germany in the 1800's. A need was seen to take care of injured workers so they did not suffer physically or financially from injuries resulting from working for a company. Workers' compensation became common in the US in the 1930's and 1940's. It continues today in all 50 states and it's territories. In the state of Texas, there are many changes that have taken place over the last year. As a result many physicians have abandoned the program. What this has meant to the injured worker is that they were left without a physician. Orthopedic Institute of Texas continues to provide quality, state of the art healthcare to patients with on the job injuries; whether they are covered by self insured employers or TWCC insurance carriers. We believe the best way to affect change within the TWCC system is from the inside. According to the Texas Workers Compensation Commission's website: www.twcc.state.tx.us

Workers' compensation will pay for the medical treatment of an injury or illness if:

• The injury occurred at work or the disease or illness is job-related; and

• The worker's employer has workers' compensation insurance or is certified by the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission to self-insure.

Workers' compensation will also replace some of the worker's lost wages if:

• The injury or illness caused the worker to lose some or all income for more than seven days.

Texas employers may choose whether or not to maintain workers' compensation insurance. Employers who choose to have insurance may:

• Purchase insurance policies from private insurance companies; or

• Self-insure, if they meet the requirements of the Texas Workers' Compensation Act and are certified by the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission. Self-insured employers have the same rights and responsibilities as employers who buy policies from private insurance companies.