Workers' Comp Injury Care in Kentucky & Indiana
Your Work Injury Experts
Aptiva Health operates multiple locations across Indiana and Kentucky, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of work-related injuries. We offer same-day appointments and bring together multiple specialties under one roof, allowing for coordinated, efficient care without unnecessary delays. This streamlined approach helps patients recover faster and return to work sooner, while also reducing overall costs for employers compared to traditional treatment models.
Why Aptiva Health for Work Injury Care?
Integrated Health Care Model - Team Care Approach
Orthopedic surgery, spine, MRI, PT, pain management, and behavioral health under one organization — no fragmented referrals, no lost weeks of TTD.
Immediate Appointments - Walk-in & Specialty Care
Walk-in evaluations, same-day specialty access, and on-site imaging at most locations. Faster diagnosis means earlier MMI and lower indemnity costs.
In-Depth Knowledge of Worker’s Comp System
Our providers handle PPI ratings under the AMA Guides 5th Edition, perform IMEs and FCEs, and produce deposition-ready narrative reports for both Kentucky and Indiana claims.
Work Injury Treatment: Better Care, Faster Recovery
When a workplace injury happens, every hour matters. Whether you've suffered a back strain, fracture, soft tissue injury, or repetitive stress condition, getting the right care fast is critical to your recovery and your ability to return to work.
At Aptiva Health, work injury care isn't just better. It's different. Our team-care approach means you'll be seen same day, evaluated comprehensively, and connected directly to the specialists you need, all without driving across town or waiting weeks for an appointment.
Most workers' comp injuries start with an occupational medicine clinic visit. While that is sometimes appropriate for triage, when an injury needs orthopedic specialty care, advanced imaging, surgery, neuropsychological assessment, or behavioral health support, occupational medicine clinics refer out. Every referral is another week of TTD, another insurance authorization, another waiting room.
Aptiva is structured differently. From triage through surgery, imaging, rehab, and return-to-work documentation, your worker stays inside one organization. For employers and adjusters, that means fewer authorizations, fewer providers to track, faster MMI, and lower total claim cost. For the worker, it means one team, one chart, and a faster path back to the job.
Work Injury Care Under One Roof
Most injured workers face a frustrating cycle: a primary care visit here, an imaging referral there, a specialist appointment three weeks out. At Aptiva Health, we've built a different model. From your first visit, our team coordinates every aspect of your care in one place, so you spend less time navigating the healthcare system and more time healing.
Our work injury care includes:
Comprehensive initial exams and injury assessments
On-site diagnostic imaging and precision diagnosis
Immediate access to orthopedic specialists and surgeons
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Pain management and non-surgical treatment options
Workers' compensation documentation and reporting
Return-to-work planning and functional capacity evaluations
What To Expect At Your First Visit
From the moment you walk in, our team is focused on one thing: understanding your injury and building a custom-tailored treatment plan as quickly as possible. You'll receive a thorough exam, any necessary imaging, and a clear diagnosis, often all in a single visit. No waiting weeks to know what's wrong. No referrals into the unknown.
Work Injuries We Treat
Neck, back and spine injuries
Shoulder injuries
Fractures and broken bones
Knee and joint injuries
Muscle, ligament, and tendon sprains and strains
Repetitive stress injuries
Concussions and head injuries
Slip, trip, and fall injuries
Lifting and overexertion injuries
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Depression and anxiety secondary to work injury
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Cumulative trauma disorders/repetitive motion injuries
Rotator cuff tears
Herniated discs/lumbar disc injury
Hand and wrist injuries
Crush injuries
Lacerations
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
We Accept Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Aptiva Health is experienced in working directly with workers' compensation insurance carriers, managed care organizations (MCO’s) and employers. We handle the documentation, reporting, and coordination so you can focus on your recovery, not the paperwork. Our team ensures your claim is properly supported every step of the way.
In Kentucky, we are familiar with the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims requirements for treating work injuries including: temporary total disability (TTD), permanent partial disability (PPD), and assigning permanent impairment ratings according to the American Medical Association (AMA) Guidelines to Permanent Impairment 5th Edition. Our staff also handles common claim forms such as: Form 101 - Application for Resolution of Injury Claim, Form 110 - Notice of Resolution, Form 113 - Designation of Physician, and Form 107 - Medical Report that includes diagnosis, causation, treatment, work restrictions, and impairment rating (if applicable).
In Indiana, we are familiar with the requirements of the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board and work directly with employers, third party administrator’s (TPA’s), managed care organizations (MCO’s), safety managers, and insurance companies to provide immediate appointments and FREE 24/7 after-hours triage for injured workers. Our providers fill out Form 29109 First Report of Injury forms and utilize the American Medical Association Guides to Permanent Impairment 6th Edition to assign impairment ratings.
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FAQ’S About Work Injuries
What should I do immediately after a work injury? Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek medical attention immediately. Aptiva Health offers walk-in work injury care with same-day appointments and no referral needed.
Does Aptiva Health accept workers' compensation? Yes. Aptiva Health accepts workers' compensation insurance and works directly with carriers and employers to manage documentation and reporting throughout your treatment.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist after a work injury? No. At Aptiva Health, orthopedic specialists and other top providers are available under one roof. You can go from your initial evaluation to a specialist appointment in a single visit, with no separate referrals or long waits.
How quickly can I be seen for a work injury at Aptiva Health? Aptiva Health offers walk-in care and immediate specialty appointments. Most work injury patients are seen the same day they arrive, with a full exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan in place before they leave.
What types of work injuries does Aptiva Health treat? Aptiva Health treats a wide range of workplace injuries including back and spine injuries, fractures, soft tissue injuries, repetitive stress conditions, neck and shoulder injuries, knee injuries, slip and fall injuries, and concussions. We also provide post-surgical rehabilitation for injured workers.
Can Aptiva Health help me return to work after an injury? Yes. Our team provides return-to-work planning and functional capacity evaluations, working closely with you and your employer to support a safe, timely return to your job.
Does workers' comp cover the doctor I choose? It depends on the state. In Kentucky, injured workers generally have the right to choose their treating physician, but the selection must be formally documented (typically using a Designation of Physician form), and changes may require approval. In Indiana, the employer or workers’ compensation insurer usually directs medical care and selects the treating provider, meaning treatment with an unauthorized physician may not be covered unless approved in advance.
What is an Independent Medical Exam (IME)? An Independent Medical Exam (IME) is a medical evaluation performed by a qualified physician who is not involved in your ongoing care. It is typically ordered by an employer, insurance company, or attorney to assess your injury, treatment needs, work restrictions, and whether your condition is related to the workplace injury. At Aptiva Health, our providers conduct thorough, objective IMEs with clear documentation to support accurate decision-making for all parties involved.
What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)? A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a comprehensive, objective assessment that measures your physical abilities and limitations following an injury. It evaluates factors such as strength, range of motion, endurance, lifting capacity, and ability to perform work-related tasks. FCEs are commonly ordered by physicians, employers, insurance carriers, or attorneys to determine safe work restrictions, readiness to return to work, and overall functional capacity.
What does Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) mean? Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is the point at which your condition has stabilized and is not expected to significantly improve with further treatment. Reaching MMI does not necessarily mean you are fully recovered—it means your providers can better determine any permanent impairment, ongoing care needs, and work restrictions. MMI is an important milestone in workers’ compensation cases because it often guides benefit decisions, impairment ratings, and case resolution.
What is a permanent partial impairment (PPI) rating? A Permanent Partial Impairment (PPI) rating is a medical assessment that estimates the degree of lasting impairment after you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). It is typically determined using the American Medical Association (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, which provide standardized criteria for measuring loss of function. The rating is expressed as a percentage and helps determine benefit eligibility, compensation, and long-term work capacity in a workers’ compensation case.
How long does workers' comp treatment usually take? The length of workers’ compensation treatment varies based on the type and severity of the injury. Minor strains and sprains may resolve within a few weeks, while moderate injuries (such as ligament tears or disc injuries) often require several months of care. More complex conditions, including fractures, surgical cases, or nerve injuries, can take 6–12 months or longer to reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Factors such as early treatment, adherence to therapy, and overall health can significantly influence recovery time.
Can I see a different doctor if I'm not satisfied with my workers' comp doctor? It depends on the state. In Kentucky, injured workers generally have the right to choose their treating physician, but any change must be properly documented and may require approval from the employer or insurance carrier. In Indiana, the employer or workers’ compensation insurer typically controls medical care, so you usually need authorization before seeing a different doctor. In either state, it’s important to follow the proper process to ensure your treatment remains covered.
What if my workers' comp claim is denied? A denied workers’ compensation claim does not mean your case is over. In most states, including Kentucky and Indiana, you have the right to appeal the decision and present additional evidence, such as medical records or physician reports. The appeals process often involves a hearing before an administrative law judge, and may continue through state boards or courts if needed.
Can workers' comp pay for surgery? Yes, workers’ compensation typically covers medically necessary surgery if it is related to your work injury and approved by the employer or insurance carrier. This can include procedures such as orthopedic, spine, or other corrective surgeries, along with pre-operative care, hospital costs, and post-operative rehabilitation. Approval usually requires documentation from your treating physician showing that surgery is appropriate and necessary. Following the proper authorization process is important to ensure the procedure is fully covered.
Does Aptiva treat workers' comp PTSD and mental health claims? Yes, Aptiva Health evaluates and treats mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression when they are related to a work injury. Coverage depends on the state. In Kentucky, workers’ compensation generally covers psychological conditions only when they result from a physical workplace injury (for example, PTSD after a traumatic accident with physical harm). In Indiana, mental health conditions may be covered when they are directly related to a workplace incident or injury, but these claims often require strong medical documentation and approval from the employer or insurance carrier.
What's the difference between workers' comp and short-term disability? Workers’ compensation and short-term disability both provide income support, but they apply in different situations. Workers’ comp covers injuries or illnesses that are directly related to your job, and typically pays for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and a portion of lost wages. Short-term disability (STD), on the other hand, covers non-work-related conditions such as illness, pregnancy, or injuries that happen outside of work, and usually provides partial wage replacement only, without covering medical care. Workers’ comp is required by law for most employers, while short-term disability is often an optional benefit offered through an employer or purchased privately.
Can my employer fire me for filing a workers' comp claim? In most cases, no. In most situations, your employer cannot legally fire you simply for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Both Kentucky and Indiana have laws that prohibit retaliation against employees for exercising their workers’ comp rights. However, workers’ comp does not guarantee job protection in all situations. An employer may still take action for legitimate reasons unrelated to your claim such as company layoffs, misconduct, or inability to perform essential job duties after reasonable accommodations.
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At Aptiva Health, we treat a full range of conditions from concussion care to foot pain.
For more examples of conditions we treat, please visit our conditions page.
About Us
At Aptiva Health, our core values are more than words on a wall—they are principles that shape how we serve patients, support one another, and drive excellence across our organization. These values guide our culture, inform our decisions, and ensure we uphold the highest standards in everything we do.
Transparency
Our commitment to our patients is to provide healthcare in a fully transparent manner, from upfront cash-pay pricing to clear communication from our providers and staff.
Fairness
We believe in fundamental fairness. We work to provide exemplary care from top healthcare providers in the most affordable and accessible manner possible across all locations.
Innovation
From employing the latest medical technologies to taking novel treatment approaches, our patients benefit from our unwavering commitment to innovation across all mediums.
Hospitality
Hospitality strengthens our teams, deepens patient trust, and reinforces our shared pride in serving others with compassion and care.
Our World Class Specialists
Robert Williams, MD
Medical Director
D. Philip Stickney, MD Orthopedic Surgeon
Jaideep Chunduri, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Jeffery Mercer, LPA
Director of Mental Wellness
J. Steve Smith, MD
Director of Orthopedics
Michael Casnellie, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Shawn Price, MD Orthopedic Surgeon
Simon Hoehn, PT, DPT
Director of Physical Therapy
Lisa Manderino, PhD
Director of Concussion Care
David McConda, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Timothy Wilson, MD
Sports Orthopedic Surgeon
Aurelio Puga, LAT, ATC
Director of Athletic Training
