100% of medical treatment costs should be covered:
If you have an admitted on the job injury in SC, the insurance carrier should pay for 100% of your associated medical treatment in a WC claim in SC. https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-42/chapter-15/section-42-15-60/ Coverage will include surgeries, prescriptions, doctor’s appointments, testing, medical equipment, therapy, etc. You should not have to pay co-pays or deductibles. You should be able see the type of specialist you are referred to by the authorized doctors.
Tradeoffs and rules to follow:
The tradeoff for the carrier covering all related medicals, is that you are required to treat with the doctor(s) they choose. Additionally, the carrier often sets the appointment dates and time. They can also send a nurse to attend appointments with you. However, they are not allowed to communicate with the doctor without your knowledge. https://www.kphippslaw.com/can-the-carrier-talk-to-or-communicate-with-my-doctor/
Medical compliance is extremely important to maintaining your benefits. If you fail or refuse to present for authorized medical treatment, you could lose your right to weekly benefits, unless the circumstances of refusal can be justified. S.C. Code Ann. §42-15-60 The only exception occurs when the employer refuses to provide care and an emergency arises then “a physician other than [the one] provided by the employer is called to treat the injured employee the reasonable cost of such service shall be paid by the employer if so ordered by the Commission.” S.C. Code Ann. §42-15-60 https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-42/chapter-15/section-42-15-60/
If your workers’ compensation injuries are denied, then the carrier will not pay for your medical treatment. Always consult an attorney to learn your rights. https://www.kphippslaw.com/i-have-been-injured-on-the-job-what-should-i-do-next/