Work Restrictions and Return-to-Work Documentation
Work Restrictions and Return-to-Work Documentation
The basic rule
Vague restrictions cause problems. “Light duty” means one thing to a doctor, another to a superintendent, and something else again to an adjuster. We write restrictions in terms nobody has to interpret.
What a Usable Restriction Looks Like
Instead of “no heavy lifting,” you get specifics:
• Lifting limits in pounds, floor-to-waist and waist-to-overhead
• Push and pull limits
• Overhead reaching — how much, how often
• Climbing: ladders, stairs, equipment
• Bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling — frequency and duration
• Sitting, standing, and walking tolerance
• Whether you can operate equipment or vehicles
• Confined space and working-at-height limitations
• Hours per shift, if reduced
• Duration — how long these restrictions apply before the next reassessment
The Three Work Statuses We Document
• Off work. You’re not medically able to perform work at this time, with the reason stated.
• Modified duty. You can work within stated limits. The limits are listed specifically so your employer can decide whether it has work that fits.
• Full duty. Released without restriction, with the findings that support it.
Why the Wording Matters to Your Claim
Your medical work status is one of the main things that determines how your claim moves. Whether wage-replacement benefits start, continue, or change, and whether a job offer from your employer is appropriate for you to accept. We don’t decide benefits; that’s between you, the carrier, your attorney, and the Department of Labor. What we do is make sure the medical facts are documented clearly enough that the decision isn’t made on a guess.
When restrictions are vague, everything slows down and disputes start. When they’re specific, the people who need to act on them can.
Who Gets a Copy
Reports go to the parties entitled to them under your claim. Typically the employer and its insurance carrier and to your attorney on request. You can get a copy of anything in your file.
[CONFIRM how the clinic wants records requests routed — front desk, email, portal?]
Common Questions
My employer offered me a job that doesn’t match my restrictions. What do I do?
Bring us the written job offer or job description. We’ll review it against your current restrictions and document whether the described duties are within them. What you do with that is a decision for you and your attorney.
Can my restrictions change?
They should, as you improve or if you don’t. We reassess at each visit and update the documentation when your measured function changes.
My supervisor says there’s no light duty available.
That’s an employment and claims question rather than a medical one. Your restrictions stay based on what you’re medically able to do, regardless of what work is available. Talk to your attorney or the district office about what that means for your benefits.
What we do
We write authorization requests that state what's being asked for, why it's medically necessary, and how it relates to the injury. Because vague requests are the ones that get denied. We respond to carrier and case manager questions within one business day. And we document treatment necessity as we go, so that if there is a dispute, the record already answers it.
Right-to-Choose
Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, the injured worker chooses their own treating doctor. There is no network to stay inside of.
Have questions about your claim or need a medical evaluation?