All Truman State University employees are covered for worker’s compensation through the State of Missouri. All injuries must be reported to the employer (supervisor and Human Resources) to initiate treatment and coverage.
About the Central Accident Reporting Office (CARO)
The CARO office is devoted to providing timely workers’ compensation benefits to the state employees and agencies it serves. CARO utilizes a preferred provider network, a medical referral service and case management designed to provide prompt quality medical care in an economical manner. State agencies may report injuries through CARO’s online computer system. The system was developed to ensure prompt reporting and to expedite the processing of workers’ compensation benefits. The online system also enables the state to identify trends and exposures that may create safety concerns.
Employee Reporting Guidelines
- Report all injuries immediately to your employer. Document the time, place, names of witnesses, and nature of the injury in a written report: Employee Injury Reporting Packet.
- If medical treatment is required, you should contact 1-800-624-2354 (or 1-800-735-2966 for the hearing impaired) 24-hours a day for the name of an authorized medical care provider in your area prior to seeking treatment. The State of Missouri may not pay for medical treatment if you do not utilize authorized medical providers. However, you may seek your own medical care with the provider of your choice at your own expense.
- Unless it is an emergency, do not seek aid without informing your employer and going to authorized medical providers.
- If it is an emergency, seek initial treatment at the nearest hospital emergency room or medical clinic. Then notify your employer as soon as possible.
- Notify the hospital or clinic that your injury is a workers’ compensation injury and give the name, address, and telephone number of your employer.
- Surgeries and the purchase or rental of medical equipment should be pre-approved by CARO.
- Mileage may be submitted to CARO for treatment outside of the local or metropolitan area from the employee’s principal place of employment. Mileage Reimbursement Form
Workers’ Compensation benefits may be reduced for injuries sustained in conjunction with the use of alcohol or controlled, non-prescribed drugs. Benefits may be forfeited if shown that the use of alcohol or controlled, non-prescribed drugs was the proximate cause of the injury.
Avoid unnecessary delays or denials by notifying your employer immediately of an injury. For more information, visit the Workers Compensation website.