WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

More treatment options for injured workers

 The Department of Labor & Industries’ medical provider network for injured workers has more than doubled in size since it went live in January 2013.

The network, which includes physicians, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, doctors of podiatry, advanced registered nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists and optometrists, is one of the results of landmark legislation passed on 2011 to reduce costs for the state’s workers’ compensation program, and improve workers’ outcomes following injury.

According to this L&I press release, with more than 20,000 health care providers in the network, 99% of injured workers in Washington live within 15 miles of at least five in-network primary care providers.

Vickie Kennedy, L&I Assistant Director for Insurance Services, said that ready access to high-quality care helps injured workers quickly return to good health and their jobs.

Injured workers in Washington can see any doctor for their first visit, but only network providers can deliver ongoing treatment. Workers can search for providers at www.FindADoc.Lni.wa.gov.