Worker's Comp Claimants

Injured workers are getting the care they need, according to a recent study on access to medical care in the California workers' compensation system. The study, conducted by the University of Washington, Seattle (UW), shows four out of five injured workers are satisfied with their care, and the level of access to quality care appears unchanged from a similar study done in 2006. Among the nearly 1,000 injured workers surveyed between May and July of 2008, the vast majority reported they were able to see a doctor right away, did not have to travel more than 15 miles to see their doctor, and were satisfied or very satisfied with their overall care. Most injured workers rated their overall quality of care good, very good, or excellent. However, nearly half of injured workers reported experiencing one or more barriers to accessing care. Those facing such barriers were found to experience longer durations of disability. Workers who encountered access barriers were more likely to be older, have a back or neck injury, have multiple injuries, not speak English well or at all, and have an attorney involved in their case.
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