How many days does a physician have to submit a Doctor's First Report of Occupational Injury or Illness?

• A. 3 days
• B. 5 days
• C. 7 days
• D. 10 days

Answer: (B)

Treating physicians must promptly report a work-related injury or illness using the Doctor's First Report of Occupational Injury or Illness (DF-1). The key rule is that this report should be submitted within five days of the initial examination or treatment of the worker. This quick reporting helps start the workers’ compensation process right away, ensuring timely access to medical care, potential temporary disability benefits, and appropriate case management.

The form captures essential details such as the patient’s information, date of injury, diagnosis, mechanism of injury, clinical findings, treatment plan, and any work restrictions, and it is typically sent to the insurer and the Division of Workers’ Compensation, often electronically.

Other time frames don’t align with the established requirement, so they aren’t correct: three days is shorter than required, while seven or ten days are longer than the rule and can delay important claim processing.