The treating doctor releases the employee to return to work on June 3, but the examiner cut off TD and the employee does not return until June 14. What is the correct action?

The treating doctor releases the employee to return to work on June 3, but the examiner cut off TD and the employee does not return until June 14. What is the correct action?

• A. Call the doctor's office and verify RTW date
• B. Pay benefits
• C. Call the employer and verify RTW date
• D. Request authorization to pay benefits

Answer: (A)

The key point is that the physician’s return-to-work release is the controlling medical date for temporary disability. When there’s a mismatch between what the doctor released and what the examiner cut off, you must confirm the actual RTW date with the treating physician. That physician’s office is the authoritative source for the release date and any work restrictions, so calling them to verify the RTW date ensures TD is handled correctly and prevents improper under- or overpayments. The other options don’t directly obtain the medical release information needed to resolve the discrepancy, and paying or requesting authorization without that confirmation could lead to mistakes.

The key point is that the physician’s return-to-work release is the controlling medical date for temporary disability. When there’s a mismatch between what the doctor released and what the examiner cut off, you must confirm the actual RTW date with the treating physician. That physician’s office is the authoritative source for the release date and any work restrictions, so calling them to verify the RTW date ensures TD is handled correctly and prevents improper under- or overpayments. The other options don’t directly obtain the medical release information needed to resolve the discrepancy, and paying or requesting authorization without that confirmation could lead to mistakes.