GQ Corner
Q. This is a Texas WC case and I have questions on whether plastic surgery is paid for. The claimant was out on disability and decided to have an elective surgery, which could have extended time off. Do we still owe disability? If so, for how long?
A. If the surgery was related to the compensable injury, then you are likely liable for indemnity benefits. You would owe TIBs for the period of time that the claimant is taken off work or is placed under restrictions that cannot be accommodated (needs to be supported by medical records/DWC73s).
Q. If we have a post DD/RME scheduled for a claimant, however, we want to proceed with a Designated Doctor Exam instead, what are the consequences if we request to cancel the post DD/RME?
A. There are none. Please just keep in mind that another DWC-22 will have to be filed if you want to obtain an RME subsequent to the next DDE.
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