Oregon statute provides some protection for the injured worker who has a denied workers' compensation claim.
If a claim is denied, and the injured worker denies the appeal, medical providers must defer collection on any outsanding bills while the appeal is pending. The key is to appeal the denial. If a medical provider insists on collecting an outstanding bill, the injured worker should notify the medical provider that Oregon statute prevents any collection efforts while the bill is pending.
Many providers are well aware of the statute the prohibits collection of oustanding accounts. Instead of an actual bill, an injured worker may receive a notice of the outstanding balance, just ot make sure that the injured worker is aware of the bill. Just to be sure that the insurance company is aware of the outstanding bill, we forward these bills to the workers' compensation carrier while the appeal is pending. If the case settles, or if the injured worker prevails on the appeal, the bill is paid.
If you or a loved one have a denied workers' compensation claim with oustanding medical bills, remember that you have only 60 days to appeal the denial. If you have questions, call us at 503-325-8600. We have over twenty years' experience working with injured workers.
