A medical emergency is an injury or illness that is acute (rapid onset) and poses
an immediate risk to your life or long term health. If you need an ambulance or have
an urgent condition that only a hospital is equipped to treat, go to the emergency
room. If the Birkam Health Center (or Med-1) is closed and you have an urgent condition;
such as a burn or laceration severe enough to require immediate professional medical
care, go to the emergency room. During normal business hours, the Birkam Health Center
and Med-1 are equipped to treat burns, lacerations, sprains, strains, illnesses and
provide follow up care. Report all incidents to your supervisor immediately.
An injury that “arises out of and in the course of employment”. In other words, the
condition must be caused by your job while doing your job. The injury or illness must
not be caused by the employee’s intentional or willful misconduct. Services must be
reasonable, related to the injury and provided by a professional that is licensed.
According to State law, in the first 28 days following injury or illness, the employer
chooses the health care provider, after 28 days, the employee may transfer to a doctor
of their choice by notifying the University by filing an Intent to Treat form.
According to State law, in the first 28 days following injury or illness, the employer
chooses the health care provider, after 28 days, the employee may transfer to a doctor
of their choice by notifying the University by filling out the Intent to Treat form.
The University directs the medical care for the first 28 days of treatment. After
that, you may complete an Intent to Treat form and turn it in to the SHERM Office located in Prakken 150.
Worker’s comp does not pay for time-off for your appointments. However, you will be
paid for your full shift on the day of injury. You can use your accrued leave time.
Yes and No. If you are disabled by the medical provider, during the first week following
injury you may use accrued sick or vacation time, up to 40 hours. You may also qualify
for wage loss benefits under Worker’s Compensation, depending on the duration of your
disability. You may also choose to not use your accrued leave time.
Ferris State University regards your worker’s compensation records as confidential,
however, it is important to note that worker’s compensation records are not protected
under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
In Big Rapids, Birkam Health Center will provide your follow-up care after a visit to the ER. In Grand Rapids, Med1 will provide your follow-up care after a visit to the ER.
