Workers’ Comp and L&I Headache Care
Headache consults for Washington workers with work-related headache, post-traumatic headache, concussion-related headache, or worsening migraine after a workplace event.
Northwest DPC & Headache evaluates and treats headache conditions related to workplace injuries and work-related events. We work with both Washington State Fund L&I claims and self-insured employer claims.
This is not a broad occupational medicine clinic. Our role is focused: we provide headache-focused consultation, treatment recommendations, follow-up, and procedures when appropriate.
For some patients, that means in-person care in Spokane. For others, that may include telehealth across Washington when clinically appropriate.
Patients
Referring Providers
Or Fax: (800) 283-1969
Headache Care for Workers’ Comp Claims
Work-related headache problems are often more complicated than they first appear.
Some patients develop headache after a head or neck injury. Others already have migraine, but the workplace event changes the pattern, severity, frequency, or recovery. Some improve quickly. Others need a more thoughtful headache workup, treatment plan, and follow-up strategy.
We provide consultation for:
Post-traumatic headache
Concussion-related headache
Headache after a workplace head injury
Headache after a workplace neck injury
Migraine worsened by a workplace event
Persistent headache symptoms after an on-the-job injury
Headache second opinions on active workers’ compensation claims
A Separate Pathway from Self-Pay DPC/Direct Specialty Care
Most of our website explains our self-pay direct primary care model.
Workers’ compensation is different.
For accepted work-related injuries, we can bill Washington L&I or the self-insured employer claim for covered headache consultation and treatment services. This is a separate pathway from routine self-pay primary care and headache care.
That distinction matters because it helps patients and referring clinicians understand that work-related headache care can be handled through the workers’ comp system rather than through standard DPC membership.
For Patients
If you have headaches after a work injury
Ask your Occupational Medicine Physician for a referral
You do not need to wait until things become severe or prolonged before getting help.
We may be a good fit if:
You have headache after a workplace injury
You had migraine before, but work injury made it worse
You are still having headache symptoms after concussion or head trauma
You want a headache-focused opinion rather than just general injury follow-up
You are unsure whether you need medication changes, further workup, or procedural treatment
Depending on the situation, we may help with:
Headache consultation
Medication management
Treatment planning
Telehealth follow-up when appropriate
Review of outside records and prior treatment
Return-to-work guidance within the scope of headache care
Botox for chronic migraine when appropriate
Occipital nerve blocks when appropriate
Second opinions
If your symptoms suggest that a more thorough in-person exam is needed, we will say so directly.
For Referring Providers and Attending Providers
Easy headache referral support for APs
Fax Records to (800) 283-1969
Not every workers’ comp headache case needs transfer of care. Many just need focused headache input.
We are happy to work with referring clinicians who want:
Headache consultation
Co-management while the AP remains the attending provider
Treatment recommendations for post-traumatic headache or worsening migraine
Follow-up focused on headache management
Procedure-based care such as Botox or occipital nerve blocks when appropriate
Help clarifying whether the current treatment plan is working
This page is meant to make referral easier, not more complicated.
If you are the AP and want a headache-focused consult, send the records and let us know the main question you want answered.
Telehealth for Washington Workers’ Comp Headache Care
Telehealth can be a useful option for many workers’ comp headache visits.
Washington L&I covers telehealth in many situations, including teleconsultations requested by the attending provider, department, or self-insurer, and standard telehealth E/M visits billed under L&I’s telehealth rules. But services that require hands-on treatment are not appropriate for telehealth, and forms requiring a hands-on exam cannot be completed that way.
That means telehealth may work well for:
Headache consultation
Follow-up
Medication adjustment
Record review
Treatment planning
Symptom check-ins
In-person care is still important when physical examination or procedures are needed.
Workers’ Comp FAQs
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Yes. We are credentialed with Washington L&I and work with both State Fund and self-insured workers’ comp claims.
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No. Our role is headache consultation and headache-focused management. We are not positioning this service as taking over the AP role.
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Yes. In many cases, that is exactly how this works. We can provide headache consultation, recommendations, co-management, and follow-up while the AP remains the attending provider.
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Often, yes. Washington L&I covers many telehealth services and teleconsultations, though not every type of visit can be done virtually. Some patients will still need in-person care.
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Yes. We are open to evaluating migraine that was worsened or changed by a workplace event when headache-focused evaluation is needed.
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It is often better to be evaluated sooner rather than later, especially if the headaches are persistent, worsening, or clearly tied to a workplace injury. Washington L&I advises injured workers to get medical help right away and notify their employer promptly.
Need headache care on a workers’ comp or L&I claim?
We provide headache-focused consultation, follow-up, and treatment planning for Washington workers’ comp and L&I claims.