Worker’s Compensation Care
Workers’ compensation injuries can be stressful and confusing for both employees and employers. The system has its own rules, timelines, and documentation requirements, and having a physician who understands that process can make a meaningful difference.
At Garden State Sports Medicine in Parsippany, NJ, Dr. Kevin Valvano provides care for workplace injuries with a focus on clear communication, evidence-based treatment, and a safe return to activity. As a board-certified physician in Occupational Medicine and Sports Medicine, he understands both the medical and regulatory aspects of workers’ compensation care.
Dr. Valvano does not work for the insurance company, nor does he advocate solely for the injured worker. His role is to provide objective medical care and guidance within the framework of New Jersey workers’ compensation law, focusing on appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and a safe return to function.
Within those parameters, every patient receives the same goal-directed care: helping you recover and safely return to work and your daily activity.
Injured on the Job? Start Here
1. Report the injury immediately
Notify your employer as soon as possible. Workers’ compensation claims must be reported within specific timeframes under New Jersey law. Notice can be verbal and provided to a supervisor or someone in authority. Even if you are unsure whether the injury qualifies as a workers’ compensation claim, it is best to report it.
2. Understand employer-directed care
Under New Jersey workers’ compensation law, the employer or insurance carrier generally selects the authorized treating physician, except in emergency situations. Once a claim is established, care must usually occur through an authorized provider for treatment to be covered.
3. Know the basics of wage benefits
If an injury prevents you from working, temporary disability benefits may be available at a percentage of your average weekly wage (typically 70% in NJ). These benefits are administered through the workers’ compensation system and depend on eligibility and claim approval. When possible, our goal is to keep you working so you can continue to collect 100% of your wages.
Workplace Injuries We Commonly Treat
Dr. Valvano treats a wide range of occupational injuries, including:
Sprains and strains (such as ankles, knees, wrists, and shoulders)
Tendinitis and repetitive overuse injuries
Contusions and non-operative fractures
Neck pain, back pain, herniated discs, and pinched nerves
Nerve entrapments (such as carpal tunnel syndrome)
Concussions and work-related head injuries
Acute injuries related to lifting, slips, or falls
Minor abrasions and lacerations
What to Expect at Garden State Sports Medicine
Authorization prior to your visit
Workers’ compensation care typically requires authorization before the appointment. This process occurs between the employer, insurance carrier, and medical office. While this step can occasionally delay scheduling, we work efficiently to help move the process forward as quickly as possible.
Comprehensive evaluation
Dr. Valvano will review the mechanism of injury, job duties, and the physical demands of your work. The evaluation focuses on identifying the injured structures and determining appropriate treatment. Imaging studies are ordered when medically necessary.
Individualized treatment plan
Treatment is tailored to each patient and may include:
Activity and work modifications
Physical therapy prescriptions
Ultrasound-guided injections when appropriate
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)
Targeted home exercise programs
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Care is based on the specific injury and the physical demands of the patient’s job.
Clear work status documentation
Work status notes with restrictions are provided after each visit. These outline what activities are safe and what limitations may be required during recovery.
Follow-up care and progression
Follow-up visits allow for monitoring progress, adjusting restrictions, and safely advancing activity levels over time. Dr. Valvano typically follows up with workers’ compensation patients every 1–2 weeks to ensure that restrictions match the progress being made, as his goal is to help patients return to their daily routine as quickly and safely as possible.
Return-to-Work and Light Duty
A primary goal of occupational injury care is helping individuals return to productive activity safely and as soon as medically appropriate. Just as athletes often continue to train or compete with modified activity during recovery, many workers can continue working with appropriate restrictions.
When needed, Dr. Valvano will recommend:
Temporary work restrictions
Light-duty modifications
Gradual return-to-work progression plans
When appropriate, communication with employers, adjusters, or case managers can help ensure that workplace accommodations align with the medical plan.
For Employees: What to Bring to Your Appointment
Please bring the following if available:
Photo ID
Workers’ compensation claim number
Adjuster or TPA contact information
Employer contact information
Incident report (if completed)
Medication list
Prior imaging or medical records related to the injury
Job description or summary of job duties
For Employers, Carriers, and TPAs
Garden State Sports Medicine provides:
Access to a board-certified Occupational and Sports Medicine physician
Prompt scheduling with minimal wait times
Detailed work status reports aligned with essential job functions
Timely chart notes and communication to streamline claims management
Evidence-based treatment plans with objective functional goals
Medical causality assessments when appropriate
Collaboration focused on safe return-to-work outcomes
Workers’ Compensation FAQs
Can I choose my own doctor?
In most cases, the employer or insurance carrier designates the authorized treating physician for workers’ compensation care, except in emergencies.
How quickly can I be seen?
Appointments are scheduled promptly once authorization is received, and work status documentation is provided after each visit.
What if recommended care is not approved?
When treatment authorization is required, we document medical necessity and communicate with the adjuster or TPA. If disputes arise, the claim may be addressed through the workers’ compensation system.
Do you coordinate light-duty plans?
Yes. Restrictions and progression plans can be written to align with job demands and support a safe return to work.
Do you treat work-related concussions?
Yes. Dr. Valvano provides evaluation and management of concussion injuries, including graduated return-to-work plans and coordination with employers when appropriate.
Why Choose Garden State Sports Medicine
Board-certified expertise in Occupational and Sports Medicine
Objective, evidence-based care for workplace injuries
Clear work restrictions that prioritize safety and function
Efficient communication with employers, carriers, and TPAs
Local care in Parsippany, NJ
Ready To Get Started?
Whether you are an injured employee, an employer, or an insurance representative, our goal is to make the process efficient, compliant, and focused on recovery.