Workmen's Insurance and Compensation Series

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 Excerpt: ...is intensely interested in the question of medical service. The Chairman. We may have differing views as to the systems of securing compensation, but I think you will all agree with me that satisfactory service under workmen's compensation law could not be had without the invaluable aid of the medical profession in determining the character of disability, and it gives me pleasure therefore to preside at this session where medical systems under compensation laws are to be discussed. Two of the speakers who are down for this afternoon are unable to attend. Dr. Mowell has sent his paper, in accordance with the practice heretofore followed at this session. If the secretary will include it in the proceedings of this session it will not be read. SYSTEMS OF MEDICAL SERVICE. BY JOHN WILSON MOWBLL, M. D., CHAIRMAN, WASHINGTON MEDICAL AID BOARD. AVhen the workmen's compensation act was first framed and submitted to the legislature of 1911 it had as a part of the act written into it at that time a medical aid provision for the payment of surgical and hospital bills. However, the legislature eliminated this section of the act and passed a compulsory compensation act without any provision for medical treatment to the injured. During the period between 1911 and 1917 injured men were taken care of at the direct expense of the injured workman, either by monthly contributions in the form of contract or by paying his own bill when injured. The injured men who were taken care of by monthly contributions by contract were taken care of in a fairly satisfactory manner, but when no such provision was made it was often difficult to procure medical and hospital attention, and sometimes impossible, because of the fact that the man had no money to pay the bill himself and the compens...