WORKERS' COMPENSATION - MEDICAL EXAMS
Hibu Websites • March 31, 2021
WORKERS' COMPENSATION - MEDICAL EXAMS

13 Dec, 2018
Work Comp - Medical Exams
Q. Workers with neck and back injuries are often asked to travel a great distance away from home so that examinations, and treatment can be undertaken at specialized "occupational" institutions. For example, a Des Moines worker might be asked to travel to Iowa City to participate in a day long series of testing. Does the worker have to go?
A. In many cases the worker does not have to attend these types of appointments. The Iowa Industrial Commissioner has established that if reasonably similar medical care is available in the workers own geographic area, it is unreasonable to require the worker to travel a great distance so that they can be seen by an occupational injury clinic suggested by the insurance carrier.
Asking a worker to travel several hundred miles from their home to be seen at a specialized clinic raises strong suspicion in the workers mind that the destination may not prove to be a friendly one. The best insurance practice is to take advantage of local programs, and medical experts to arrive at answers to fairly straight forward and simple questions.
Workers with questions concerning situations where they are being asked to travel a great distance from their home to secure routine medical examinations, or care should consult with an attorney of their choice.

When it comes to car insurance, many people think primarily about liability coverage—insurance that covers others if you’re at fault in an accident. However, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is equally important, as it protects you if an accident leaves you injured by a driver with inadequate coverage. What is Underinsured Motorist Coverag e? Underinsured motorist coverage is designed to safeguard you and your family from the financial burden of an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have sufficient insurance to cover your damages. Here’s how it works: Imagine you’re at a local Des Moines sports event. After parking, you’re walking across the lot when a vehicle accidentally hits you, causing injuries. If that driver has no insurance or only minimal coverage, their policy may fall far short of what you need to cover medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. Underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy steps in to fill the gap, helping you recover the full amount necessary to cover your damages. This protection applies whether you’re in your vehicle or, as in this example, outside of it—what matters is that your injuries resulted from the actions of an underinsured driver. How Much Underinsured Motorist Coverage Should You Carry? The amount of underinsured motorist coverage you carry is a personal choice, but it’s worth considering a higher limit. In Iowa, insurance companies are allowed to sell this coverage with a minimum limit of $20,000 per person. However, relying on minimum coverage could leave you financially vulnerable in a serious accident. Insurance agents often recommend high liability limits to protect others in case you cause an accident but may suggest lower UIM coverage to keep your costs down. Yet, underinsured coverage is specifically for your protection and the well-being of your loved ones. It doesn’t make much sense to carry more coverage for others’ injuries than for your own, yet this is common due to the way policies are structured. Reviewing Your Policy: Are You Adequately Protected? Take a moment to review your policy or discuss it with your agent to ensure you’re not underinsured. Here are a few questions to consider: • Does my underinsured coverage match my liability coverage? If not, you might want to ask why, especially if your liability limits are significantly higher. • Would my current underinsured coverage be enough in a serious accident? Consider your financial situation, family needs, and potential medical costs to make sure your coverage is sufficient. If you find that your uninsured/underinsured coverage is significantly lower than your liability coverage, it might be time to ask questions and re-evaluate your options. Prioritizing adequate underinsured motorist coverage is an investment in peace of mind, ensuring that you’re better protected, no matter who is at fault in an accident.
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