The “PPR” serves several very important purposes. The PPR (Physician’s Progress Report) can be viewed as an injured worker’s report card from their treating physician. Insurance adjusters often get these reports directly from the treating doctor, however, injured workers can also get a copy after each appointment with their doctor. It is my recommendation that you do request one before you leave the doctor’s office!
What does the PPR tell you?
The PPR contains a lot of important information that dictates many aspects of an injured workers’ claim. For example, the PPR indicates: (1) when your next appointment is, (2) work restrictions, and (3) the progress of your treatment. Insurance adjusters use PPRs to determine eligibility for temporary total disability benefits (TTD), and to determine whether or not more treatment needs to be authorized. Employers use PPRs to comply with work restrictions. You can use PPRs to enforce your rights to receive TTD benefits, to work in an environment conducive to your recovery, to stay on top of your treatment, and as a reminder of further appointments.
Why is the PPR even more important to you near the end of your treatment?
Arguably, the most important purpose the PPR can serve is to indicate your entitlement to a permanent partial disability (PPD) rating. On the PPR is a box for a doctor to check when you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning no further treatment is required. In addition to the MMI box is another box for the doctor to check if he believes you have a ratable impairment. This box guides the insurance adjuster’s determination of whether or not to schedule you for a PPD rating. It is this rating that evaluates you for any permanent impairment entitling you to further monetary benefits. Further, the PPR can contain permanent work restrictions that may entitle you to vocational rehabilitation.
Summary:
In short the PPR is important because it is the guidepost for many decisions that are made in regards to your benefits, both current and future, and it informs you of your treatment progress/future appointments.
