Within the state of Colorado, employers that meet strict control standards can use self-insurance to mitigate workers’ compensation risks. The company must employ over 300 people to be eligible for self-insurance. The permit for self-insurance can be obtained through the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
SUPERIOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES
FOR EMPLOYERS AND PATIENTS
Our experts at Monument Occupational Medicine are committed to providing comprehensive occupational health services based on the highest standards within the industry today. We offer access to an experienced staff of trained medical professionals who can answer any of your questions and guide you in choosing the ideal service for your health and business requirements.
Monument Occupational Medicine
Our Services
Employment Physicals
Harnessing our experience in workplace injury management, we complete a full range of employment physicals for a number of industries.
Respiratory Fit Testing
The purpose of the fit test is to assure that the mask fits and seals properly so potentially contaminated air cannot leak into the mask and so hazardous substances are kept out.
DOT Physicals and CDL Exams
Department of Transportation employment physicals (DOT Physicals) certifies commercial drivers for up to 24 months. The testing is designed to ensure the candidate is physically qualified to drive a commercial vehicle.
Drug Testing
Our team administers comprehensive urine testing and leading class breath-alcohol testing.
Respiratory/Pulmonary Function Testing
There are many different reasons why pulmonary function tests (PFTs) may be done. They are sometimes done in healthy people as part of a routine physical.
Immigration Physicals
Immigration Physicals and exams are necessary for immigrating to the United States and becoming a permanent resident (green card holder). Sometimes called a green card medical exam.
Aviation Physicals
For a third-class medical certificate, pilots must undergo a basic physical exam and a questionnaire to assess mental, neurological, and general health.
Independent Medical Exams
Dr. Sharma is experienced in conducting Independent Medical Exams on behalf of employers, employees, and insurance companies.
DIME Reports
Dr. Sharma has extensive experience in providing expert testimony in administrative court, completing independent medical exams, determining causality, compensability, and managing catastrophic cases.
Impairment Ratings for Workers Compensation
A medical impairment rating is completed by an independent professional in an appointment known as an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE).
Frequently Asked Questions
WORKERS COMPENSATION
FOR EMPLOYERS
In the State of Colorado, only those employing agricultural workers, employers of domestic workers, real estate brokers, sole proprietors, and partners are exempt from workers’ compensation requirements. All other companies must have some form of workers’ compensation insurance policy.
Regardless of whether the company has a 24-hour medical coverage policy with wage replacement or another form of protection for workers, they must have a workers’ compensation policy covering their employees. Workers’ compensation policies provide a higher level of protection to the business and the employee and can help safeguard against a range of coverage challenges.
Workers’ compensation insurance can be purchased through any private insurance company that is legally qualified to conduct business in the State of Colorado. Contact Monument Occupation Medicine for more details.
Posting: all employers are required to post in high-visibility areas written notices that they comply with the workers’ compensation guidelines. The notices should name the company’s insurance carrier, the carrier’s phone number and the instructions on how to make a claim.
Reporting: Workers have up to 4 days to file a report on an injury or work-related illness. Once this report has been filed, the employer then has 7-10 days to file the Employer’s First Report of Injury or Illness with their Labor Commission, then submit a copy of that report to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier as well as provide a copy to the affected worker.
Does the Employer Hold Responsibility for Reporting an Injury that Doesn’t Require First Aid?
The employer must file a report for any employee that has been treated by a physician regardless of the severity of the injury. Once the worker has been treated, the doctor is then responsible for filing a physician’s report.
FOR INDIVIDUALS
The first step for employees reporting an injury or work-related illness is to notify their employer within 4 days. The employer will then be responsible for filing a workers’ compensation insurance claim within 7-10 days of the notification. It’s important to provide as much detail as possible when reporting the claim.
In managing workers’ compensation insurance claims, the company has the first right of refusal in designating a medical provider. If they do not deliver the provider’s information upon notification of an injury or illness, the employee may then select their own medical care provider.
In making a claim, an employee can work with the team at Monument Occupational Medicine by providing comprehensive information on how their injury or illness occurred. This process may include gathering information from superiors within the workplace or learning more on the regulations regarding workplace safety. Our team works with the employee to guide them during this process and can help fill out all required paperwork in filing a workers’ compensation claim.