What defines a Medical Only claim in workers compensation?

A Medical Only claim in workers' compensation is characterized by the fact that it involves only medical expenses incurred by the employee, and importantly, no indemnity payments have been made. This status means the injured worker is receiving treatment but is not eligible for wage replacement benefits, which are typically classified as indemnity payments. The claim is categorized as Medical Only when the medical treatment alone does not necessitate any financial compensation for lost wages due to time off work.

The focus on medical expenses without associated wage replacement entitles these claims to a streamlined processing and often a less complicated claims scenario. This distinction is essential as it helps insurers and employers differentiate claims that might escalate into more complex situations involving wage loss from those that are strictly related to medical care.

In contrast, other options either involve forms of indemnity payments or complications that classify a claim differently, such as permanent disability payments, which indicate a different level of claim severity and liability.