An employee has a finger amputation at the proximal joint and his perscription glasses are broken. You shoud pay for:

• A. Repair of the glasses only
• B. The amputation only
• C. Prorate the glasses over time the employee has owned them
• D. Both the glasses and the finger amputation

Answer: (D)

In California workers’ compensation, medical benefits cover all reasonable and necessary treatment and devices related to a work injury. A finger amputation at the proximal joint clearly requires medical care and often a prosthetic or other rehabilitation device, so it falls under those benefits.

If the employee’s prescription glasses are broken, those glasses can be considered a necessary device for recovery and safe return to work, especially if vision is part of functioning at work or during rehabilitation. When a device like glasses is required as part of treating the injury or enabling the employee to perform duties, the cost is covered.

So, both the glasses and the finger injury-related care are the proper medical benefits to pay for. Prorating the glasses or paying only one item wouldn’t align with the obligation to cover all reasonable and necessary medical treatment and devices tied to the injury.