General Guideline Principles for Delayed Recovery of
Non-Acute Pain for workers compensation patients

The New York State workers compensation board has developed these guidelines to help physicians, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals provide appropriate treatment for Delayed Recovery of Non-Acute Pain.

These Workers Compensation Board guidelines are intended to assist healthcare professionals in making decisions regarding the appropriate level of care for their patients with ankle and foot disorders.

The guidelines are not a substitute for clinical judgement or professional experience. The ultimate decision regarding care must be made by the patient in consultation with his or her healthcare provider.

Delayed Recovery of Non-Acute Pain

The change from acute to non-acute pain is crucial for the injured worker because more time away from work may have negative effects on their health, their family, their finances, and their mental health (including overtreatment, depression, and/or anxiety), all of which can make their pain symptoms worse.

The working verdict and therapy plan should be reevaluated, and psychosocial threatening elements should be recognized and treated, whenever the doctor notices that the condition is continuing after the expected period for tissue repair.

Delayed Recovery of Non-Pharmacological Approaches

For the wounded worker, the change from severe to non-severe pain is crucial. Patients who have non-acute pain will, by definition, fall under the heading of delayed recovery. When there is late recovery out of the predicted time of tissue repair, the physician should:

• Examine the current diagnosis and treatment strategy.

• Determine, treat, and record psychosocial risk factors that affect functional recovery:

  • Demoralization, consist of but not restricted to losses connected to \inability to work

  • Anxiety in day-to-day life.

  • (Cognitive and behavioral) reactions that are maladaptive.

  • Catastrophizing (doctors are urged to strengthen appropriate expectations).

  • Difficulties relating to prescription drugs, such as addiction and undesirable side effects.

  • Ongoing problems with medical care, such as—but not limited to—frustration with “care that does cure” and/or problems with payment.

• Determine the fundamental mental or psychiatric condition.

  Interdisciplinary/Functional Restoration Pain and/or Mental Health Professionals should be consulted as soon as possible.

• Management Plan as prescribed by the doctor.

What our office can do if you have workers compensation injuries

We have the experience to help you with their workers compensation injuries. We understand what you are going through and will meet your medical needs and follow the guidelines set by the New York State Workers Compensation Board.

We understand the importance of your workers compensation cases. Let us help you navigate through the maze of dealing with the workers compensation insurance company and your employer.

We understand that this is a stressful time for you and your family. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us so we will do everything we can to make it as easy on you as possible.