California Residents Are Pleased With Workers Compensation, Despite Barriers

05/13/2010

Most California residents are getting the medical care they need after suffering on-the-job injuries, according to a recent report by the California Department of Workers Compensation.

Researchers from the University of Washington-Seattle, surveyed nearly 1,000 injured workers during 2008. While 80 percent of respondents said they were satisfied with the care they received, nearly half encountered barriers in receiving such care. Most people were able to see a physician immediately and did not have to travel more than 15 miles to do so.

Barriers were experienced more frequently by those who did not speak English, were older, had a back or neck injury or lacked an attorney, according to the survey.

"We're pleased to see that injured workers continue to get proper care," Carrie Nevans, acting administrative director of DWC, said. "At the same time, this study does show that when workers have barriers inhibiting access to care they are more likely to be off work longer."

The state's workers compensation system is used to cover these expenses. Payment, reimbursement and fee schedule issues are among the reasons California physicians are currently aiming to decrease their workers compensation patient volume, according to the report.

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