An examiner cut off TD after the treating doctor released the employee to return to work on June 3, but the employee does not return until June 14. What should you do?

• A. pay benefits
• B. call the ER and verify RTW date
• C. call the doctors office and verify the RTW date
• D. request authorization to pay benefits

Answer: (C)

Verifying the actual return-to-work date with the treating physician is essential when a TD stop happens because of a medical release. A doctor’s release to return to work on June 3 means the clinician believes the employee is capable of returning then, but it doesn’t automatically confirm the employee actually returned on that date or that there aren’t ongoing restrictions. Since the employee doesn’t come back until June 14, you need to confirm with the physician what the true RTW date is (and any restrictions) before adjusting benefits. This ensures TD is paid or terminated on the correct date and avoids overpaying or underpaying. Calling the ER wouldn’t provide the medical basis for the RTW date, and you’d typically seek benefit authorization only after you’ve confirmed the actual RTW date with the physician.