Workers' Comp Doctor and Chiropractor in Jacksonville, FL

Not at first. In Florida, your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier selects and authorizes your treating providers. You can ask the carrier in writing for one change of physician during your claim, and the carrier must authorize an alternative within 5 days. If it does not, you may select the physician (F.S. 440.13(2)(f)). To be treated at East Coast Injury Clinic, call us with your claim information and we will request authorization.

You see an authorized treating provider approved by your employer’s carrier. At East Coast Injury Clinic, work injuries are evaluated by our occupational and sports medicine physicians, and treatment may include physical therapy, chiropractic care and EMG testing when the carrier authorizes them.

Florida requires you to report a work injury to your employer within 30 days after the injury, or within 30 days after you first notice symptoms of a condition that develops over time (F.S. 440.185). Missing the deadline can bar benefits unless an exception applies. Report as soon as you can, preferably in writing, and talk to an attorney if you have questions about deadlines.

Yes, when the carrier authorizes it. Florida limits workers’ comp chiropractic care to 24 treatments or 12 weeks after the first chiropractic treatment, whichever comes first, unless the carrier authorizes more or the injury is catastrophic (F.S. 440.13(2)(a)).

Chiropractic care can continue only if the carrier authorizes more treatment or the injury is catastrophic. Your medical care and physical therapy are authorized separately, so our physicians and physical therapists can continue your care within what the carrier approves.

It can, when the carrier authorizes them as medically necessary. Consultations, therapy procedures, X-rays or special tests that cost more than $1,000 need express carrier authorization, except in an emergency or if the carrier does not respond within 10 days (F.S. 440.13(3)). We request authorization before these services.

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is the point where further recovery is not expected with more treatment. At MMI, a physician may assign a permanent impairment rating under Florida’s rating schedule. Our physicians can document MMI and, where indicated, provide a rating. What that rating means for your benefits is a legal question for your attorney or adjuster.

Yes. After each visit, your physician documents your work status, such as full duty, light duty with specific restrictions, or no work for a period. Your employer decides whether light-duty work is available. If your restrictions change, we update the carrier.

Be accurate and complete. Explain exactly how the injury happened, every area that hurts, any prior injuries to the same body part and how your symptoms affect your work. Do not exaggerate or leave things out. Your records are shared with the carrier, and consistent, accurate information helps your care and your claim.

No. Federal civilian employees are covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act through the U.S. Department of Labor’s OWCP, not Florida workers’ comp. Many maritime and port workers are covered by the Longshore Act. See our OWCP doctors page at eastcoastinjury.com/federal-owcp/ or call us to confirm which program applies.

Most injury care at East Coast Injury Clinic is covered through one of four paths: auto insurance PIP after a car accident, a personal injury attorney’s Letter of Protection, state workers’ compensation for a work injury, or federal workers’ compensation (OWCP or Longshore) if you are a federal or maritime employee. We also see patients under Medicare, Tricare, VA Community Care, and a limited number of private plans. Our front desk verifies coverage before your first visit and explains exactly what is and is not covered for your specific case, so there are no surprises. Call 904-513-3954 or visit eastcoastinjury.com to start.

We are a medical clinic and do not give legal advice. Disputes over Florida workers’ comp benefits go to the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims, and there are time limits for filing a petition. Talk to a workers’ compensation attorney about your options. With your written authorization, we can send your records to your attorney.