Which document must a physician file when treating an injured worker?

The First Report of Injury is a critical document that must be filed by a physician treating an injured worker. This report serves as the initial notification to the relevant workers’ compensation authority about an employee’s injury. It includes essential information such as the nature of the injury, the circumstances under which it occurred, and the treatment plan suggested by the physician.

Filing this report promptly helps ensure that the injured worker receives the necessary benefits and medical coverage as dictated by workers’ compensation laws. It provides a legal and medical overview of the claim, establishing a formal record that can be referenced throughout the healing process and any potential disputes that may arise regarding the claim.

Other documents, while important in their respective contexts, do not fulfill this specific role in the process of reporting workplace injuries. For instance, a medical record summary generally provides an overview of a patient’s medical history and ongoing treatment rather than serving as a formal notification of injury. The claimant statement is typically completed by the injured worker themselves, detailing their perspective on how the injury occurred, and the insurance verification form relates to confirming coverage rather than documenting the injury. Thus, the First Report of Injury stands out as the essential document required for this situation.