Work-related Injuries and Illnesses – Assessment and Treatment

The University of Michigan Health System is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for employees. If employees are concerned about potentially unsafe working conditions or hazards, they should discuss this with their supervisor and Safety Management Services (internal audiences only). Safety Management Services assesses worksite hazards, investigates accidents and recommends actions to decrease hazards.

Phone: 734-764-4427
Fax: 734-936-7644

In spite of the best safety efforts, work-related injuries and illnesses still happen. In the event of an on-the-job injury or a work-related illness, Employee Health Service works with the employee, supervisor, Work~Connections and Human Resources to ensure high-quality medical treatment and to smooth the progress of recovery. We will work with you and your supervisor to identify tasks that you are able to do while recovering from an injury. Many research studies show that working within your capacity, rather than being off work, is the best way to hasten recovery.

Illness or Injury Report Form
If you experience a work-related injury or illness, it is very important that you and your supervisor complete an Illness or Injury Report Form. This form documents the injury or illness, and supervisors use the form to identify things that might be done to avoid future incidents. The supervisor sends or faxes these reports to Safety Management Services, where the reports are used to identify trends for safety improvement, comply with state regulations, and authorize treatment and wage benefits.

Work~Connections information
Work~Connections administers the University of Michigan’s Workers' Compensation Program. Questions regarding compensation, wage replacement, medical expenses, etc., should be directed to that office:

Under the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Act, employers may designate a medical provider for the first 10 days of treatment. Following that period, the employee may elect a different provider, although, at the University of Michigan, Work~Connections must be informed in writing of the name of the chosen provider. The employee assumes responsibility for ensuring that medical reports from outside providers are sent to Work~Connections.

For Hospital and Health Center employees
Employee Health Service is the designated provider. Hospital and Health Center employees should always receive their initial evaluation and treatment from Employee Health Service (or the University of Michigan Emergency Department when Employee Health Service is closed). After the initial period, if you choose to go to a provider other than Employee Health Service, make sure you understand what will be expected from you regarding communication and follow-up. If you are seen in the University of Michigan Emergency Department, you must follow up with Employee Health on the next business day.

Treatment
Treatments paid for by Work~Connections must be authorized by Work~Connections. The treatment you receive in Employee Health Service and the treatment (physical therapy, occupational therapy, tests or medications) and other clinic visits (consultations) ordered by EHS are automatically covered. However, if EHS refers you to a consultant or clinic, and the consultant orders treatment (physical therapy, occupational therapy, tests or surgery), such treatment is not automatically covered; the consultant must request authorization from Work~Connections.

If, after 10 days, you decide to be treated by a provider other than EHS, that treatment is not automatically covered and must be authorized by Work~Connections. If you choose an outside provider, he/she must communicate the treatment plan and return-to-work information to Work~Connections. This is important to ensure that your benefits are protected.

Medical services not authorized by Work~Connections may be billed to you, so it is very important to make sure that the billing information is correct prior to receiving treatment.

Return-to-Work Plan
In the majority of cases, employees can continue to work in some capacity while recovering from injury or illness. If it is determined that you can return to work with restrictions, EHS, your supervisor and Work~Connections will work together to identify tasks that you can do within your physical limitations. Regardless of your work status, it is your responsibility to give the return-to-work status form to your supervisor immediately after you visit EHS.

If you are seeing an outside provider, you also are responsible for returning a Work Status Report as soon as possible.

Keeping your supervisor informed of your work status and restrictions is critical to a positive outcome for you and your employer and will ensure that your wages are not interrupted.

EHS Mission
Employee Health Service’s mission is to provide Hospital and Health Center employees with high-quality, cost-effective and caring medical services. We welcome your questions and comments. We recognize that people who experience job injuries will have concerns regarding their health, treatment and wages. We are committed to working with you, your supervisor and Work~Connections to make sure you receive proper treatment and are able to return to productive work as soon as possible.