Are Overuse Injuries Covered By Workers' Comp?

In the state of Florida, if you’re injured on the job or become ill because of your work, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance can help cover the cost of your medical expenses. This includes care for repetitive stress (overuse) injuries, as well as ongoing treatments such as physical therapy to help you recover.

At Coastal Pain Medicine, board-certified specialist Dr. Patrick Brennan and our team know that pain from an on-the-job injury is different from degenerative pain. We also have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and treating workers’ compensation claims.

So if you’re hurt, we can help, even if your injury comes from overuse. Here’s how.

What is an overuse injury?

An overuse injury, also known as a repetitive stress injury (RSI), occurs when you repeat the same motion over and over so much that you damage a muscle, tendon, or nerve. Some jobs that are notorious for causing overuse injuries include:

• Office jobs that involve typing, doing data entry, or using a computer mouse
• Retail jobs that involve swiping motions like at a grocery checkout
• Construction jobs using tools like a saw, hammer, or jackhammer
• Factory jobs like working on an assembly line
• Janitorial jobs that require scrubbing or window-washing

RSIs most commonly appear in the joints, such as your:

• Wrists (carpal tunnel syndrome) — nerve damage
• Elbows (tennis elbow) — tendon strains
• Hips (bursitis) — joint capsule irritation
• Shoulders (rotator cuff) — tendon tears
• Knees (runner’s knee) — patella damage

How do I apply for workers’ comp?

In Florida, if you’re injured or become ill on the job, you must report the problem to your employer within 30 days. They, in turn, contact their insurance company, which sends you a brochure explaining your rights and responsibilities, as well as relevant information about the state’s workers' compensation law.

Your employer or the insurance company may want you to see one of their doctors, or you may go to your own doctor. If you choose us at Coastal Pain Medicine, we complete form DFS-F5-DWC-25, which:

• Communicates your medical status to the insurance company
• Requests authorization for the medical treatment plan from the insurance company
• Documents your date of “maximum medical improvement” (MMI)
• Documents a “permanent impairment rating” (PI rating)

Once the insurance company approves the treatment plan, they cover all medical costs relating to the claim.

What is the doctor’s role in the workers’ comp process?

Our experienced interventional pain medicine providers specialize in using minimally invasive, highly precise procedures to evaluate and treat your chronic pain. 

When you come to us with a workers’ comp issue, including for an RSI, we’re uniquely positioned to understand the nature of your injury, as well as provide services aimed at eliminating — or at least minimizing — your discomfort.

In addition, we have an exclusive claims department that’s experienced and well-versed in working with employers, claims adjusters, nurse case managers, and attorneys. We’re dedicated to providing you with the quick care and attention to detail you need.

We guarantee you an initial appointment within three days and a 24-hour turnaround on all compliance paperwork (DWC-25) and patient care notes. We aim to find a permanent solution that allows you to achieve MMI as quickly as possible and to return to work as soon as possible.

If you’re dealing with an overuse injury and need help getting the appropriate care and coverage, contact us today at Coastal Pain Medicine by calling 954-284-0996, or request a consultation through our online system. Our dedicated claims manager will guide you through the entire process.