Going back and forth for doctor visits can take time and money for fuel, especially when you have physical therapy three, four, or sometimes five times a week! Workers’ comp will reimburse you for mileage in some cases for doctors visits that are further than 30 miles away.
There is a catch, though. If the Insurance carrier can locate a facility that could’ve provided you the same treatment within 30 miles of where you live, then workers' comp does not have to pay you for the mileage.
This 30-mile rule means that people in rural areas have a better chance of claiming mileage because it's more likely that they will need to drive far in order to get to a doctor. Those living in big cities like Dallas or Fort Worth are less likely to be able to claim mileage as there are almost certainly doctors within 30 miles that could provide the medical treatment.
You need to file a request for mileage reimbursement on a DWC form 48, and you need to submit it in a way that allows for a confirmation that it was received by the adjuster. The adjuster has 45 days to pay or dispute the request. If you get neither response after 45 days, then you are entitled to payment of the reimbursement requested. You have one year from the date of the doctor visit to submit mileage reimbursement requests. The current rate I believe is .54 cents per mile.
A year's worth of driving to doctor appointments can certainly add up! Call us today for a free initial consultation.