Orthopedic Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Worker's Compensation

How do you handle workman's compensation claims?

Our worker's compensation program is designed to provide quality care, reduce the time spent out of work, and minimize permanent disabilities. Our surgeons and staff are dedicated to coordinating the care for your worker's compensation. Our goal is to communicate effectively with case managers by promptly providing complete information and responding quickly to any questions or concerns.

Our surgeons, working together with you and your case manager, attempt to get you back to work as early as medically possible. The surgeons will often encourage light-duty or modified job responsibilities to help.

For the Case Manager/Claims Adjuster

We value your time and make every effort to ensure the visit process is as efficient as possible. Please introduce yourself at our reception area so that we may notify the doctor of your arrival.

After each visit you will receive:

• A summary office note with diagnosis
• An updated treatment plan
• Work status
• Next appointment date
• Advance imaging scheduling if needed

All notes should be available in My Chart for review within three business days of the appointment. 

Appointments

Should I bring x-rays or MRI test results with me? 

If you got an x-ray from a facility other than Boston Medical Center, please bring the films with you to your appointment. Please also bring any MRIs or diagnostic study (printed report and CD containing the imaging) you received from any outside facility.  

What do I need to know if I was injured in a work-related accident? 

If you are injured because of a work-related accident, please provide the following information at your first visit:

• Your employer's address and phone number
• The worker's compensation insurance carrier name, address and phone number
• The claim number

For all worker's compensation or motor vehicle accident cases, you must also provide us with your health insurance card and a referral (if applicable). If your claim is later denied, we will then bill your health insurance plan.

Learn more

What do I need to know if I was injured in a motor vehicle accident? 

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, please provide the following information at your first visit:

• Auto insurance company name, address and phone number
• The policy number
• The claim number for the vehicle you were in at the time of the accident

For all worker's compensation or motor vehicle accident cases, you must also provide us with your health insurance card and a referral (if applicable). If your claim is later denied, we will then bill your health insurance plan.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, your motor vehicle insurance may not cover health benefits. Please fill out the Motorcycle Accident Form and bring with you to your appointment.

What should I do if I see another patient who arrived after me called from the reception area before I am called? 

The nature of our specialty requires that certain injuries be treated on an emergency basis. The physician may also need to spend extra time with patients who have complicated injuries. We try to keep these emergencies from delaying your appointment and appreciate your understanding in these unavoidable situations.

If you see a patient who arrived after you called to the exam room before you, they may be seeing a different doctor. Some of these patients may also be going to Radiology for x-rays. We make every effort to see patients in the order of their appointment time and in the order in which they arrive.

Surgery

If I need surgery, how soon will I be able to schedule a date? 

Surgery will be scheduled according to the severity of your musculoskeletal condition and the availability of your doctor. Our team will work with your workers compensation team to get all necessary approvals. Then our surgical scheduler staff will work with you to complete the necessary paperwork and to schedule the surgery at a time that works for everyone.

Financial

I have some questions about my bill. Who should I call? 

If you have any questions about your bill or need assistance with payment, please call our billing department at 888-489-0169. Our team is here to help you understand your bill and address any concerns you may have.

BMC provides financial assistance to low-income uninsured and underinsured patients who are Massachusetts residents and with incomes up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level.  

If you require financial assistance, please reach out to our Financial Counseling Department at 617-414-5155. Our counselors are available to discuss your options and provide support.