If an employee's treating physician releases him to return to work after a patella removal and declares his condition as permanent and stationary, what should be the next step?

• A. Cut off TTD
• B. Cut off TTD and begin advancing PD
• C. Request a report regarding the extent of disability
• D. Document the file and proceed to other work

Answer: (B)

When an employee's treating physician releases them to return to work after a significant medical procedure, such as a patella removal, it indicates that the employee has reached a stage in their recovery known as "permanent and stationary." This means that their condition is stabilized, and no further improvement is expected.

At this juncture, the appropriate next step includes discontinuation of Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits, as the individual is no longer classified as totally disabled. Additionally, since the physician has assessed their condition as permanent, the process of advancing Permanent Disability (PD) benefits should commence. This step is essential because it ensures the employee receives appropriate compensation for any lasting impairment resulting from their injury.

While it is critical to document all such actions and maintain thorough case files, the advancement of PD benefits acknowledges the potential ongoing impact of the injury on the employee’s overall ability to work, as well as legal and insurance obligations. Each of these components is vital in the management of workers' compensation cases, where both medical and financial factors play crucial roles in supporting the injured employee.