If you’re traveling for authorized care related to a compensable work injury, Georgia workers’ compensation mileage reimbursement may cover reasonable travel between your home and medical appointments, physical therapy, or the pharmacy. Georgia’s current Board rules set private-vehicle mileage at 45 cents per mile, although that rate can change with fuel costs.
Which Medical Trips May Qualify for Reimbursement?
The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation FAQ includes necessary travel expenses among the medical benefits that may be paid for authorized treatment. Board Rule 203 also covers reasonable travel between your home and a place of examination, treatment, physical therapy, or a pharmacy.
If you live in the CSRA and have therapy several times a week or travel into Augusta for authorized specialty care, those round trips can add up quickly. The rule doesn’t mean every personal trip is reimbursable. The travel needs to be connected to covered medical care.
What Should You Track for a Mileage Request?
Georgia’s 2025 Board Rules call for an itemized written request. Keeping a simple log can make workers’ comp medical travel easier to document. Record:
- the date of each trip
- where you traveled
- the purpose of the trip, such as a doctor visit, therapy, or pharmacy stop
- your round-trip mileage
Rule 203 also addresses certain meal and lodging expenses for out-of-town or extended medical travel.
At The Law Office of Bryan S. Hawkins, we help injured workers sort through issues involving medical treatment after a Georgia work injury, including expenses tied to authorized care.
When Should You Submit Medical Mileage?
Don’t let mileage requests sit indefinitely. Rule 203 generally gives an employee one year from the date of service to submit medical expenses for payment. If the claim or expense is controverted, the rule allows submission within one year of the service date or within one year after the claim is accepted or established as compensable, whichever is later.
The rule also states that mileage reimbursement is payable within 15 days after the employer or insurer receives the itemized written request. If payment is disputed or documentation is missing, the facts of the claim may affect what happens next.
FAQ About Medical Travel Reimbursement
Does workers’ comp reimburse pharmacy trips?
Reasonable travel between your home and the pharmacy may qualify when it relates to covered treatment.
Can meals or lodging be reimbursed?
Sometimes. Rule 203 addresses meal costs for longer outpatient trips and lodging when overnight medical travel is reasonably necessary.
What if my mileage reimbursement isn’t paid?
A workers’ compensation attorney can review the request, documentation, and claim status to determine what options may be available.
Ask About Medical Expenses in Your Georgia Workers’ Comp Claim
Bryan S. Hawkins practices exclusively in Georgia workers’ compensation and has handled more than 2,000 claims. If you have questions about medical mileage reimbursement in Georgia, The Law Office of Bryan S. Hawkins can review your claim and explain how medical expenses may be handled. Contact our Augusta or Greensboro office for a free initial consultation.
Posted on behalf of