If the treating doctor's office calls to say an employee is released to return to work on a date and TD is cut off, but the employee returns later, what is the appropriate action?

• A. Call the Doctor's Office and Verify the RTW Date
• B. Pay Benefits
• C. Call the ER and Verify RTW Date
• D. Request Authorization to Pay Benefits

Answer: (A)

Verifying the return-to-work date with the treating physician is the essential step. The doctor’s release date is the controlling information for benefit eligibility, so when temporary disability has been cut off on a stated RTW date but the employee returns later, you must contact the doctor to confirm the exact RTW date and any conditions (such as modified duties). This lets you correct the benefit status—whether to reinstate TD, start a new period, or adjust payments—based on accurate information. Other options don’t address the source of the date or ensure accurate payment status; calling the ER isn’t relevant, and seeking authorization to pay benefits isn’t the right immediate step when the RTW date needs confirmation.