Can You Choose A Doctor For Work-related Injury?

Most of the workers don't know whether they a right to choose a doctor for work-related injury or not. These rules vary from State to State. In some States workers can only visit a doctor recommended or chosen by the employer or employer's insurance company. While in other States injured worker have the option to select any doctor from the network, and this network is defined by the State, employer or employer's insurance company. These rules also varies whether you are visiting doctor just for initial checkup or for regular treatments of work-related injury.

Remember that all doctors don't deal with injured workers. Workers compensation billing and compensation is different from regular billing system that's why some doctors try to keep themselves away from these complications of work-related injuries. In this case your doctor may redirect you to some other physician.

Initial Checkup

In most of the States, you are allowed to visit any doctor of your choice for initial visit or for emergency treatment. It's your responsibility to tell your doctor in advance that the injury is related to work so that he can act accordingly. Your doctor might ask you to fill some forms for getting information about employer and workers compensation claims.

While in California if you get a work related injury then you have to visit a doctor from the network defined by your employer for initial checkup. However if you are not satisfied with the doctor then you may request for another option.

On-going Treatment

Some States have regulations regarding which physicians can handle work-related injuries. Some states have defined "attending" or "treating" physicians for worker compensation cases.

In most of the States there is specific criteria for healthcare providers to be admitted in workers compensation providers' network. Usually State defines this criteria, however in California, employers can create their own network of physicians for handling work comp injuries.

To select an appropriate doctor for your injury, firstly consult your current personal physician. Your current physician will firstly determine whether he can treat this work related injury or not. If your current physician is not able to treat you or you cannot find a suitable physician then consult a workers compensation lawyer for discussing this matter. These attorneys will direct you to a health care provider based on your specific needs.

Choosing a physician is an important decision so take a wise step. Remember that if your physician is not authorized by law then it might be possible that your employer, insurance company or the state may not pay for the work-related medical expenses.

Changing Physician

Most of the States allow you to change your attending physician if you are not satisfied with treatment or medical care. Some states have a specific limit to the number of times you can change a physician. Before taking the decision of switching, it is advisable to consult or take approval from your employer or the insurance company. In California, if you want to change your doctor then you can only go for the doctors within the employer's network. Remember that if you select a new doctor then inform them about work related injury and make sure that they fill out all forms and complete the documentation process.