If you’re hurt on the job in Oregon, you can choose a chiropractor to treat you under workers’ compensation. Your employer can’t limit that choice. A chiropractor can act as your attending physician for up to 60 days or 18 visits on a new claim, and getting care and paperwork started early protects both your recovery and your claim.
Common workplace injuries we treat
- Back strains from lifting and twisting
- Neck and shoulder pain from desk and screen work
- Repetitive strain like carpal tunnel and tennis elbow (see joint pain)
- Disc injuries and sciatica
- Sprains and strains from slips and falls
- Headaches tied to neck tension
What to do after a work injury in Oregon
Get safe, and get urgent care if you need it
For serious injuries, go to urgent care or the ER first.
Tell your employer and file Form 801
Form 801, the Report of Job Injury or Illness, is the first step in a claim. You complete the worker section and give it to your employer, who must notify their insurer within five days.
See the provider you choose
At your first visit you’ll complete Form 827 at the office. Checking the attending physician box names that provider as the one managing your care.
Follow your plan and keep records
Go to your appointments, keep copies of your paperwork, and tell us how your symptoms affect your work.
Return to work safely
We’ll talk about modified duties and a gradual return as you improve.
How chiropractors fit into Oregon workers’ comp
60 days or 18 visits
On an initial claim, a chiropractor can be your attending physician for up to 60 consecutive days or 18 visits, whichever comes first.
Up to 30 days of time loss
During that period, a chiropractor can authorize up to 30 days of time off work.
After the limit
Ongoing chiropractic care needs approval from a medical attending physician, such as an MD, DO, PA or NP.
Certification
Chiropractors must be certified by Oregon’s Workers’ Compensation Division to treat workers’ comp patients.
The clock starts when you choose a provider as your attending physician, so earlier visits to another chiropractor may count toward it. Rules can change, so call us before your first visit and we’ll confirm how we can help with your claim.
What recovery looks like
We follow the same plan as for any injury: identify the cause with a thorough exam, relieve pain with adjustments and soft-tissue work, and reinforce with exercises so you can get back to your job without a relapse. We also look at how you lift, sit and move at work. Detailed records of your exam, treatment and progress support your claim, just as they do for auto injury claims.
Common questions
Can I choose my own chiropractor for a work injury in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon’s Form 801 states that employers cannot limit your choice of health care provider. You name your provider when you fill out Form 827 at their office.
How many chiropractic visits does workers’ comp cover?
On an initial claim, a chiropractor can serve as your attending physician for up to 60 consecutive days or 18 visits, whichever comes first. Care beyond that needs approval from a medical attending physician, such as an MD or DO.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Your claim number if you have one, your employer’s name and contact, the workers’ comp insurer’s name, a copy of your Form 801 if you filed it, and a list of your symptoms and when they started.
Sources
West Coast Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare provider. This page is general education, not legal advice or a diagnosis. Book a consultation for an assessment tailored to you.