Workers' Compensation Information

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For OSSMSA workers' compensation surgical cases, in which conservative treatments failed and Dr. Whaley was the first surgeon on the case, 

• The return to work with some restrictions is an average of 17.47 days.  
• The final return to work with no restrictions averages 120.11 days.  
• The surgical complication rate is 1.57%.

At OSSMSA, we understand and can appreciate the value of being able to return to work as quickly as possible after arthroscopic surgery.  We are proud of our patient results and successful quick recovery rate for our patients so that they can get back to their quality of living as quickly as possible.   We can achieve this because of the expertise and quality of care that our medical team provides and delivers to patients.   

OSSMSA understands the Workers' Compensation system and its unique rules, regulation & paperwork when it comes to treating on the job injuries.  We are experienced not only in treating an employee's injury but also in working with Case Managers & Adjusters and work to provide a seamless process to ensure the most successful outcomes and patient results.  Dr. Whaley has extensive knowledge in treating workers' compensation patients and their injuries to help them return to work as quickly and safely as possible.  Arthroscopic surgery interventions help the patient achieve better function.

Many patients injured on the job don't fully understand the rules & regulations regarding workers' compensation and that the compensable diagnosis (i.e the formal diagnosis related to your injury) is not originally the decision of the doctor. Dr. Whaley receives high grades with legal review and in working with adjusters through the formal processes to ensure that your compensable diagnosis reflects your actual injury.      


Dr. Whaley is considered a specialist. This means that to be seen by Dr. Whaley, you must be referred by your treating physician. For any workers' compensation services performed at OSSMSA, proper authorization is required. Additionally, all clinic information is released to the adjuster or case manager that is assigned to your case.   

 If an employer is considered a non-subscriber to the workers' compensation system, it is important to note that they lose certain legal protections and that it is even more vital to have proper medical documentation and to seek the best outcome initially from a "work-related" injury.  Dr. Whaley understands this better than most providers and believes that the same quality of care and the knowledge of the workers' compensation system matters to all employers and that all employees deserve the best care.  OSSMSA strives to schedule all workers' compensation injuries within a week of an appointment request.  Our philosophy of care is structured to be attentive to the financial stresses of a work-related injury, not only for the patient but also for the employer.  We believe that early diagnosis, and if needed, early intervention is the first step in a successful  return to work.  OSSMSA has been tracking our workers' compensation data since 2017 and that data strongly supports a quicker return to work when Dr. Whaley is the first to see the patient.

For your convenience, Dr. Whaley is contracted with almost all workers' compensation HCN's. Our practice provides prompt attention to the patient and also make sure that adjusters and case managers get the reports and documentation they need on time. Dr. Whaley maintains an excellent record with patient results and with his return to work outcomes and can see WC patients with fractures often on the same or next clinic day with proper authorization.

If you are a  patient with questions about your on the job injury or you are a Case Manager looking for an orthopedic consultation, please call our office.