In a successful claim for a work injury, the New Mexico Workers' Compensation Act provides lifetime medical benefits to injured workers. This can be a valuable benefit especially if the work injuries are chronic. However, to protect this benefit and minimize the chance that the workers' compensation insurer will deny medical treatment in the future, an injured worker should see the treating doctor at least once per year. This has at least two benefits. First, it ensures that an injured worker gets the necessary treatment. Second, it demonstrates to the workers' compensation insurer that the injured worker needs ongoing medical treatment for his or her work injuries and, more importantly, is getting that treatment.

So, make sure you see your workers' compensation doctor at least once a year.