Accidents resulting in severe injuries happen on the job every day across the country.
The purpose of workers’ compensation is to ensure the injured worker has access to medical care. However, policies do not have to provide access to alternative medicine.
What is alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine refers to any type of medical treatment or therapy that does not fall under the umbrella of orthodox care in the healthcare industry. Examples may include acupuncture, herbalism or homeopathy.
Many people find relief from chronic pain through homeopathic treatments, but Minnesota statutes do not require employers to provide access to alternative health care practitioners without a license.
What does workers’ compensation cover in Minnesota?
The standard for coverage under a workers’ compensation policy is whatever constitutes reasonable and necessary care for the employee’s injury. However, there is no definitive definition for what the insurer deems reasonable or necessary.
Overall, most policies cover anything required to get the person well enough to work again. Some examples may include medications for pain management, physical or occupational therapies, surgeries or assistive devices, such as a cane or walker.
How do you know what treatments the insurance covers?
The Minnesota statutes pertaining to workplace injuries impose specific rules for employers regarding the types of care available to an injured worker. Additionally, some companies may require workers to see a company doctor to monitor recovery and determine when the employee is able to return to work.
The best way to understand what treatments are available under your workers’ compensation policy is to read it carefully or have a lawyer explain it to you.