Your supervisor has been provided with the above information and should be able to clarify any questions you may have. However, if you should have additional questions please contact UPMC Work Partners at 412-473-7406 or Workers' Compensation at 412-624-1198.

Oakland, Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown and Titusville

1. Am I required to treat with the University of Pittsburgh's Health Care Provider Panel? If so, for how long?

Yes. The Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act requires that employees of an employer who has posted an approved health care provider panel treat with that panel for work-related injuries for 90 days from the first day of treatment. If an employee chooses to treat with a non-panel provider before the 90-day period has expired, the employer is not responsible for paying the non-panel provider for services.

2. What effect will receiving Workers’ Compensation have on my contributions to various employment benefits such as medical insurance, retirement, etc.?

Workers’ Compensation does not pay for benefits such as: retirement plans, health insurance, or any other insurance plans. When an employee's payroll administrator notifies Payroll that they have an employee on Workers' Compensation leave, that office will notify Benefits and they will send a letter advising the employee about steps that must be taken if the employee wishes to continue participation in these plans.  If you are on Workers’ Compensation leave and have not received such a letter, contact your payroll administrator at your campus or call Benefits at 412-624-8063.

3. Who do I call if I have not yet received my check for Workers’ Compensation?

UPMC Work Partners is the third party administrator for the University. As the third party administrator, UPMC Work Partners is responsible for processing all Workers’ Compensation checks. If you have questions about your check, please call UPMC Work Partners at 412-473-7406. Explain that you are a University of Pittsburgh employee calling to inquire about the status of your check.

4. What do I do if I receive medical bills for my work-related injury?

The University of Pittsburgh is responsible for medical bills deemed reasonable and necessary which are directly associated with a work-related injury. All bills associated with the treatment of a work-related injury should be forwarded to UPMC Work Partners, P.O. Box 2971, Pittsburgh, PA 15230. If you receive a notice from a credit agency regarding unpaid bills, which are associated with your work-related injury, immediately call UPMC Work Partners at 412-473-7406.

5. Should I respond to the University's letter requesting a summary statement of how my injury occurred?

Yes. The University has a right to obtain a detailed explanation of how the injury occurred from an employee who claims a work-related injury. More importantly, the University is constantly attempting to provide a safe environment for its employees. When an employee is injured, the University needs to know as soon as possible and in as much detail as possible how the injury occurred to prevent similar accidents from occurring.

6. What do I do if my physician has prescribed physical therapy during working hours?

Physical therapy should be scheduled before or after working hours. If your medical provider has scheduled therapy during working hours, please call Workers’ Compensation at 412-624-1198. They will attempt to intervene on your behalf to reschedule your appointment during non-working hours. Time away from work will not be covered unless you receive special permission from Workers’ Compensation and your supervisor.

7. When will I get reimbursed for wage loss due to a work-related injury?

Workers’ Compensation only covers time lost due to a medically certified disability. This means that a physician must restrict you from some activity that prevents you from doing your job. You must have this medical documentation in order to qualify. Once a doctor has certified your disability, there is a seven-day waiting period until Workers’ Compensation benefits for wage loss begin. If you are entitled to any Workers’ Compensation payments, the check will be sent within 21 days from the first day of disability.

8.  Am I required to use accumulated sick days before using vacation or personal days to cover the seven-day waiting period?

Yes. The University requires that you use your sick days first then you may use your vacaction or personal days to cover the seven-day waiting period.  If you use vacation or personal days, your compensation may be offset by the amount paid to you.

Your supervisor has been provided with the above information and should be able to clarify any questions you may have. However, if you should have additional questions please contact UPMC Work Partners at 412-473-7406 or Workers' Compensation at 412-624-1198.

* For on the job injuries, visit our web site at www.bc.pitt.edu/wc