What to Expect at Your First Workers’ Comp Orthopedic Visit

Getting hurt on the job is stressful enough without wondering what your first medical visit will look like. At Advanced Bone & Joint, we want every injured worker who walks through our doors to feel informed and confident from the very first appointment.

What to Bring to Your Workers’ Comp Orthopedic Evaluation

A little preparation makes your first workers’ compensation orthopedic visit go much faster.

• Your claim number and adjuster or nurse case manager contact information
• A photo ID and any paperwork your employer provided about the injury
• A list of your current medications
• Details about how and when the injury happened

If your employer or insurance adjuster already sent a referral, our team will have some of this on file before you arrive. If you’re not sure what’s been submitted, call ahead and our workers’ comp coordinators can confirm.

What Happens During a Workers’ Comp Orthopedic Evaluation

Your first visit is focused on getting an accurate picture of your injury so we can build the right treatment plan from day one.

The Exam

One of our orthopedic physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners will review your injury history, examine the affected area, and ask detailed questions about your symptoms and job duties. This helps us understand not just what hurts, but how the injury affects your ability to do your specific job.

Imaging and Testing

Depending on your injury, we will likely perform X-rays in office. Having diagnostic imaging available in our offices means you often get answers the same day. Should your injury require advanced imaging (MRI, CT, etc.), an order will be sent to the party responsible for approval, and an outside imaging facility will call to schedule.

Your Work Status Report

Before you leave, you’ll receive a clear explanation of your work status. This might mean a full return to work, modified duty, or time off, depending on what your injury requires. We send this report to your employer and adjuster quickly so there’s no confusion about your restrictions.

Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) After a Work Injury

Every treatment plan we create is built around one goal: helping you reach maximum medical improvement, or MMI, as safely and quickly as possible. MMI means your condition has stabilized to the point where further recovery isn’t expected with additional treatment, even if some symptoms remain.

Reaching MMI matters because it’s a key milestone in the workers’ compensation process. Along the way, we keep communication open with your employer, adjuster, and case manager so everyone understands your progress and any updates to your work restrictions.

Schedule Your Workers’ Comp Evaluation at Advanced Bone & Joint

You don’t have to navigate a work injury alone. Advanced Bone & Joint offers dedicated workers’ compensation care at our St. Peters, O’Fallon, and Wentzville locations, with a team that understands Missouri’s workers’ comp system inside and out.

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