Getting treatment for a work-related injury involves provider selection, a workers’ compensation claim number, medical status forms, and adhering to appointment schedules and physician directives.

Medical Provider Choice

Injured employees may seek medical treatment with the provider of their choice for the first visit only. This may be their personal physician, an urgent care facility, or the emergency room if necessary. 

After initial treatment, the Workers’ Compensation System must pre-authorize the medical provider.  If subsequent visits are not preauthorized, the associated costs may not be covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance.

All medical appointments related to an employee’s workplace injury must be kept or immediately rescheduled.  Failure to keep appointments may result in termination of workers’ compensation benefits and/or withdrawal of Stay-at-Work/Early Return-to-Work transitional employment (MCA 39-71-605(1)(a)).

Workers’ Compensation Claim Numbers

Once injury reporting is complete, injured employees will receive a Workers’ Compensation Claim Number that will be used for medical treatment and prescriptions.  If you seek medical treatment before you have a Workers’ Compensation Claim Number, please let the treating physician know that the injury is work-related.  You can also let the treating physician know that the Montana University System uses Intermountain Claims as their insurance adjusters, and they can be reached at (866) 722-4421.

Medical Status Forms

The medical provider must give you a Medical Status Form following every office visit.  The form should be given to your supervisor, who will provide it to the SRM Claims Coordinator.  This form is necessary to ensure understanding of your work abilities and work restrictions.