When work is interrupted, know the next step.

Work-injury care begins with the employee’s medical needs, then coordinates records and work-status documentation. New York workers’ compensation requirements and clinician authorization should be confirmed for the specific case. An injured employee should seek necessary care and report the incident through the employer’s process. Provide the injury date, symptoms, job duties, employer and claim information, and any required forms. Emergency symptoms require emergency care. Confirm the treating clinician’s workers’ compensation role, follow-up, documentation and any restrictions. An employer consultation is for program coordination and should not delay an injured worker’s clinical visit. A routine booking is not proof that every clinician handles every claim.

Have the injury date and circumstances, current symptoms, job duties, employer and claim contact, and required forms ready. Help the worker access appropriate care; emergency needs come first. Provide only the information needed for care and the authorized report.

An employer can request an appropriate work-status assessment tied to the job duties and restrictions. The clinician decides what documentation can be completed and whether records or further assessment are needed. A request does not guarantee unrestricted clearance.

Employers should receive only the information needed for the authorized work request. Agree on completion reports, restrictions or other necessary documentation and who may see them. Covered employers must keep medical information confidential and separate from ordinary personnel files. An employee’s personal treatment needs remain a confidential clinical matter.