For Patients
Injured at Work? What to Know
If you get hurt at work, two things matter most right away: tell your employer as soon as possible, and get medical care. Workers’ comp can cover your treatment and part of your lost wages. This guide explains your rights, a few terms you’ll hear, and what to expect — in plain language. It’s general information, not medical or legal advice.
Placement: this companion page lives in the Patients hub (the patient half of the workers’ comp split), written at an 8th-grade reading level with the patient medical disclaimer.
First steps after a work injury
Report the injury to your employer right away, and get medical attention. Aptiva offers walk-in work-injury care with same-day appointments, and you usually don’t need a referral.
Who picks your doctor — Kentucky vs. Indiana
This is one of the biggest differences between the two states:
When in doubt, ask before you switch, so your care stays covered.
Kentucky:
you generally have the right to choose your treating doctor, but the choice has to be documented (often on a “Designation of Physician” form), and changing later may need approval.
Indiana:
the employer or insurer usually directs your care and picks the treating provider. Seeing a doctor they didn’t approve may not be covered unless it’s approved first.
Terms you’ll hear, in plain language
MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement):
the point where your condition has stabilized and isn’t expected to improve much more. It doesn’t always mean you’re fully healed — it’s a milestone that helps decide next steps.
PPI / impairment rating:
an estimate, after MMI, of any lasting impairment, using standard medical guidelines and given as a percentage.
IME (Independent Medical Exam):
an exam by a doctor who isn’t treating you, usually requested by an employer, insurer, or attorney to assess your injury and work restrictions.
FCE (Functional Capacity Evaluation):
a hands-on test of what you can physically do — strength, lifting, endurance — to help set safe work restrictions.
What to expect at a first visit
A thorough exam, any needed imaging, and a clear diagnosis — often in a single visit. From there, you may get physical therapy, specialist care, or other treatment, with the team coordinating return-to-work planning.
Your rights
You generally can’t be fired simply for filing a workers’ comp claim — Kentucky and Indiana both prohibit retaliation. If a claim is denied, that’s not the end; you usually have the right to appeal and add evidence like medical records.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral for a work injury?
Often no — Aptiva offers walk-in work-injury care with same-day appointments.
Will workers’ comp pay for surgery?
Usually yes, if it’s related to the work injury and approved — including pre-op, the procedure, and rehab.
What if my claim is denied?
You generally have the right to appeal and present more evidence; the process may include a hearing.
Can it cover PTSD or anxiety from a work injury?
Sometimes — coverage for mental-health conditions tied to a work injury varies by state and usually needs strong documentation.