Workers Compensation

NON-CERTIFIED EMPLOYEES and those not covered under the Memorandum of Agreement are protected under the State of Tennessee's Workers' Compensation Law for injuries and occupational diseases that arise out of and in the course of employment.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

If you are injured, you are required to:

• Contact your supervisor if you are injured. Your supervisor will then notify Employee Benefits of your injury.
• Complete a C-20 form (TN 1st Report of Injury) and make sure it is faxed to the Employee Benefits office.
• 865-594-3737.
• Make your selection from a panel of primary care physicians that are on Knox County School's Medical Providers for Workers' Compensation list. Employee Benefits will schedule your initial appointment for you.
• Keep your appointments with doctors, therapists or specialists.
• Follow the doctor's instructions.
• Be aware that Knox County Schools has implemented a temporary duty program (light duty) for all non-certified employees.
• Notify your supervisor and Employee Benefits (594-1682) if the doctor tells you not to go to work, tells you to work with restrictions, or when he releases you to return to work at full duty.
• If you need help completing these reports, contact the Employee Benefits Department at 865-594-1682.

YOUR BENEFITS

Emergency Treatment

If you require emergency medical treatment, you should use the emergency rooms at any Knoxville hospital. Only one visit to the emergency room will be covered by workers' compensation. After the initial visit to the emergency room, you must go for follow-up treatment to a physician on Knox County Schools list of Medical Providers for Workers' Compensation. You cannot go back to the emergency room for follow-up treatment. (For example, the removal of stitches or changes of injury dressings.)

Medical Care

Physicians must be approved.

Knox County Schools will pay reasonable and necessary costs:

• For appropriate medical treatment
• From a provider on Knox County Schools list of Medical Providers for Workers' Compensation. (These physicians may not be on your health plan's list of physicians). Make sure you use the correct list.

The Knox County Schools panel of Medical Providers for Workers' Compensation includes:

• Knoxville Medical Center 1826 Ailor Avenue
• Knoxville Medical & Industrial Clinic 4306 Asheville Highway.
• East Towne Occupational Health Clinic. 4711 Centerline Drive
• East TN Urgent Care/Occupational Health 2721 Asbury Rd & 601 Hall of Fame Dr.
• Occupational Health Systems 9135 Middlebrook Pike

If you have questions as to whether a particular doctor is on the approved panel, call Employee Benefits, 865-594-1682.

Our normal working hours are Monday-Friday 7:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Case Management

Tennessee law requires that employers provide medical case management under certain conditions. Case managers are specially trained medical professionals who help injured employees to receive appropriate medical treatment so they can make a timely recovery and a successful return to work. The case manager schedules doctor appointments and coordinates physical therapy recommended by the doctor.

Medication

Knox County Schools has arrangements with several local pharmacies to charge medication for work- related injuries after:

• You have notified Employee Benefits of your injury.
• Your prescription has been approved for payment by the Employee Benefits Department.

BENEFIT REVIEW CONFERENCES

If you feel that you are not receiving your workers' compensation benefits as prescribed by State law, you may request a hearing before a Tennessee Workers' Compensation Specialist. This specialist will attempt to resolve the issues without the expense of litigation or attorney's fees. To contact a Tennessee Workers' Compensation Specialist call 1-800-332-2667.

Medical Bills

After your claim has been received in Employee Benefits, it will be forwarded to our Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier, Tennessee School Board Association, for approval.  You will be notified if a problem arises in the process of making that decision.

Medical bills and benefits will not be paid until your claim has been approved.

Tennessee School Board Association has final authority in the decision making process as to whether a claim is accepted as a compensable injury.

Our goal is to process claims as quickly and fairly as possible. The length of time required for approval will vary depending on the circumstances of each claim. If you have questions please contact the Employee Benefits Department at 865- 594-1682.

This brochure supersedes all previous brochures. The information contained in this brochure is general and is designed to be as simple and informative as possible. The statements contained herein are subject to change without notice and subject to rare exceptions. This brochure is not intended to create a contract between the employer and the employee. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact the Employee Benefits Department.

7/12/02