Wisconsin WKC-16-E: Medical Report on Industrial Injury

Wisconsin worker's compensation insurers file this practitioner report when temporary disability lasts more than three weeks or permanent disability results. Usually requested at the end of healing, it records history, diagnosis, surgery, prior disability, prognosis, return-to-work dates and permanent disability, with a second page for finger joint motion losses. Ratings follow DWD 80.32 minimum percentages, not AMA or other guides.

Who completes it

The treating practitioner completes it and signs in their own writing. Final reports on the extent of disability must come from a treating physician, podiatrist, surgeon, psychologist or chiropractor, not a dentist, physician assistant or APRN prescriber.

Submitting and payment

How to submit it
The insurer or self-insured employer files it with the Worker's Compensation Division; the form's instructions say to print, sign and send it to the Division's address or fax number.
Who pays
Under DWD's guidance, the practitioner may charge a reasonable fee for a final report, subject to a statutory cap, cannot require prepayment, and can take fee disputes to the department under section 102.16(2) of the Wisconsin Statutes.

Good to know

  • A report counts as final when it states whether permanent disability resulted, follows an exam that set an end of healing, and is completed by an eligible treating practitioner.
  • For finger injuries, use statutory terms (thumb, index, middle, ring, little; distal, middle, proximal joints) and list normal range and degrees lost in flexion and extension.
  • Fingertip amputations need comparative X-rays or a statement that bone loss was under one-third, one-third to two-thirds, or over two-thirds of the distal phalanx.
  • For knee or back surgery, list the procedures (and spinal levels for the back) and submit operative reports; eye injuries use WKC-16-A instead.

Get the official form

Download the current version from the source each time; forms change without notice.

Medical Report on Industrial Injury

How this list is checked

A form is listed only after its name and number were confirmed on the issuing agency’s or insurer’s own website, or in the form itself. Each entry links to that source. The list was last checked in October 2026. Forms and their requirements change without notice, so check the official page for the current version before you complete one.

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Frequently asked questions

When does Wisconsin require a WKC-16-E?

DWD rule 80.02(2)(e) calls for a medical report when temporary disability lasts more than 3 weeks, the injury causes permanent disability, the worker had eye treatment 3 or more times outside the workplace, or surgery was performed. It goes in once the worker is released to work or reaches the end of healing.

Can I use the AMA Guides on the WKC-16-E?

No. DWD's guidance says a final report's rating must follow DWD 80.32, not AMA or other guidelines. The form's finger page points to DWD 80.32 and 80.33 for evaluating amputations, restricted motion, ankylosis, sensory loss and surgical results at each joint.

Who can sign a final WKC-16-E?

A treating physician, podiatrist, surgeon, psychologist or chiropractor. DWD says dentists, physician assistants and APRN prescribers cannot complete a final report addressing the extent of disability, although its guidance lets some of them sign medical reports on other points within their scope.