The California Worker’s Compensation guidelines have changed in a way that requires employers to pay dollar-for-dollar for all claims under $7001. However, if claims are categorized as “first aid,” employers can lower costs by paying claims directly, skipping the insurance company altogether.
California law defines first aid as “any one-time treatment, and any follow up visit for the purpose of observation of minor scratches, cuts, burns, and splinters, or other minor industrial injuries, which do not ordinarily require medical care. This one-time treatment, and follow-up for the purpose of observation, is considered first aid even though provided by a physician or registered professional personnel.”
Read more about reducing claim costs by implementing a first aid program in coordination with Worker’s Compensation here.