From the Author
From the Preface. The annual number of occupational injuries and illnesses is staggering. A 1997 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine estimated that in 1992 there were 13.2 million injuries; 6,500 deaths due to injuries; 60,300 deaths from disease; and 862,200 illnesses - all of which were work-related. Each year, millions of work days are lost and billions of dollars are spent on workers' compensation costs.
Throughout my years of practice as an occupational medicine physician, I have noticed that a significant percentage of workers experience problems concerning the medical issues involved in the workers' compensation system. Understandably, they can become very frustrated. I have also seen how a knowledgeable and caring physician can help to guide them through the complex medical issues involved in this sometimes "difficult" system. Legal counsel is also often required in what is supposed to be a "no-fault" system.
I have personally counseled thousands of workers regarding their workers' compensation medical issues and have found that many of the same questions continue to arise. I searched for an "easy to understand" book written from the perspective of an occupational medicine physician that I could recommend to them. To my surprise, I was unable to find one that sufficiently covered all of the important areas that may be of concern in any type of injury or illness. Because of this, I decided to write one myself. I wanted to use a clear conversational style, as if I were counseling one of my patients.
The medical issues that are involved in workers' compensation cases are very similar throughout the various systems. An occupational medicine physician would have little difficulty adapting his or her practice to the various state and federal systems. Workers'compensation laws, on the other hand, tend to vary more from system to system. Throughout this book, I have "touched on" only the very basic concepts of workers' compensation laws that are found in most systems. I am not an attorney and don't pretend to be. Always seek appropriate legal counsel when necessary. In the back of this book, I have included many resources that I feel may be of some value to you. Reference is made to a particularly good legal guidebook written specifically for the injured worker. Take Charge of your Workers' Compensation Claim. An A to Z Guide for Injured Employees, by Attorney Christopher A. Ball, is published by Nolo Press (1998). Although written for the California worker, it contains a vast amount of excellent general information. I would highly recommend it.
Best of luck on your "journey of knowledge."
D.F.S.
Leigh JP, et al. Occupational Injury and Illness in the United States, Estimates of Costs, Morbidity and Mortality. Archives of Internal Medicine, 157, pp. 1557-1568, July 28, 1997.
From the Back Cover
Medical/Self Help/Reference
Confused and Frustrated by Workers' Compensation?
As a worker you will learn this and much more:
-The basics of workers' compensation law and when to seek legal counsel.
-How workers' compensation determines work-relatedness.
-How to make managed health care work for you.
-How to prepare for your Independent Medical Exam.
-How to access your health and safety records.
-How local and national affiliation labor unions can help you.
-How to protect yourself when returning to work.
-When to seek compensation outside of the workers' compensation system.
Dr. Scaccia is board certified in occupational medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine. He has more than 15 years experience directing large occupational medicine clinics for major industry.
Workers' Compensation Employee Medical Guide gives you the knowledge needed to receive the appropriate treatment you rightfully deserve.
