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Last Updated: 12/29/2022
When a work-related injury is disabling, the treating physician (appointed by the employer) will give an impairment rating. This depends on the level of injury and a variety of other factors—all of which determines the length of time weekly benefits will be paid. Injured Des Moines workers should know what to do next after receiving their impairment rating.
Steps To Take after Receiving an Impairment Rating
Once you have recovered as much as possible following the injury, the doctor will notify the insurance company of any impairment rating he or she has assigned to you. If you receive an impairment rating indicating a permanent impairment, you may receive permanent partial disability benefits. Based on the doctor’s rating, the insurer will determine for how long you will receive disability benefits.
Make sure a Medical Report Transmittal Form is filled out when submitting medical information to the Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation. This is required if you suffer permanent disability and/or your temporary total/partial disability extends beyond 13 weeks. There are fields to identify the body part that’s permanently impaired as well as the percentage of impairment. The form may be submitted via mail or fax.
If you do not agree with the doctor’s impairment rating, you can request an independent medical examination with a physician of your choosing and at the employer’s expense. To do so, submit Form 100A along with the physician’s report to the employer.
Of course, if the new doctor doesn’t agree on the impairment rating, it could lead to a hearing in order to arrive at a final decision. Get help with workers’ compensation applications and appeals, especially if you’re facing disagreement over the impairment rating. Call Walker, Billingsley & Bair at 641-792-3595, Chat Here Now or contact us online.
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