Have you sustained a work related injury in San Diego? Need
a lawyer? What can an acupuncturist do for you?
This resource provides information and links to help you get
what you need. Click below to jump down to the information you
want.
Work Injuries in California - Frequently
Asked Questions
Q. Do I have to be injured at work to be covered by California
workers compensation?
A. No. However, your injury must be job-related in order to be
covered. For example, you will be covered if you are injured while
running a work-related errand, traveling on business, or attending
a required business-related social function. However, generally
you will not be covered while traveling to and from work.
Q. What benefits do I get if I am injured?
A. Workers compensation insurance provides replacement income,
medical expenses (including acupuncture and chiropractic!)
and some rehabilitation benefits (job training, vocational schooling
or job placement assistance).
If you are temporarily unable to work, you should receive two-thirds
of your average wage (up to a fixed amount). These payments are
smaller but they are tax-free.
If you are permanently disabled, you may receive long-term or
lump sum benefits. These amounts of payment vary with the type
and severity of your injuries.
Q. Can I trust a doctor provided by my employer?
A. It is reasonable to assume that this may not be in your best
interest. It is best to choose your own doctor and not leave medical
control in the hands on your employer or insurance company.
Q. How much would a good workers compensation attorney cost?
A. In California, the amount that can be charged by your lawyer
for your worker’s compensation case is fixed by law and is
a certain percentage of the benefits you receive.
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Workers Compensation Acupuncture
Q. What can acupuncture do for work-related injuries?
A lot! Acupuncture is great at relieving pain, restoring function,
releasing muscle spasms, and mobilizing the resources of your
own body to return to health.
Q. How does acupuncture work?
It works through a number of bodily processes. To explain it,
we can talk about nerves, opioid peptides, motor neurons, and
immunoglobulins, or we can talk about qi being stuck... whichever
you prefer. For more, read our Acupuncture
Research and Mechanisms summary.
Q. What's it like?
Acupuncture treatments are very relaxing. Initially skeptical
or concerned, most patients are amazed by how comfortable even
the insertion of needles is, and soon feel the benefits of the
endorphins and enkephalins, the brain's natural morphine. (Of
course, pain relief can last much longer than the effect of these
two opioids, suggesting that other neurological mechanisms are
at work.)
Many patients get so relaxed that they end up snoring on the
table!
Q. Are acupuncturists part of the workers compensation system?
Yes, acupuncture has been included in the workers' compensation
system since 1987. Labor code 3209.3 (a) states:
"Physician" includes physicians and surgeons
holding an M.D. or D.O. degree, psychologists, acupuncturists,
optometrists, dentists, podiatrists and chiropractic practitioners
licensed by California state law and within the scope of their
practice as defined by California law.
Acupuncturists may also participate as Qualified Medical Evaluators,
if they are so trained.
Q. How many visits does it require?
Usually a course of acupuncture treatment is 10 visits. For new
injuries, 2 or 3 visits a week is ideal. The total number of treatments
varies with each patient. After each course of treatment, the
acupuncturist can evaluate your progress. When results have plateaued,
the acupuncturist may try a new treatment strategy, or may conclude
that they have helped you as much as possible. The goal is to
get you back to 100%. In cases of permanent disability, maintenance
acupuncture for pain, mobility, etc. may be required.
Q. What does it cost me?
Your acupuncture is paid for by your workers compensation benefits.
It costs you nothing.
Also read about facts
and myths of acupuncture and work-comp
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Where to Go in San Diego for Help
Work Injury Acupuncture in San Diego
Come see me (Brian B. Carter, MSci,
LAc) in Kearney Mesa or Poway. I'll come to you (yes, I do
house calls) if your injury prevents you from traveling. First,
call me at 619-208-1432, and I'll have my medical billing personnel
get authorization... and then we'll get started.
Work Injury San Diego Chiropractor
See my friend, Dr. John Schaefer in Kearny Mesa. 858-278-8782.
San Diego Work Injury Lawyers
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