If you have been injured at work, you will need to seek medical care right away. Every state sets its own workers’ compensation laws, but in general, the benefits and the process are very similar. When you suffer an injury or illness because of your job, it is only normal to want to see your regular physician because you are used to them and feel comfortable around them. You can see your own primary care provider for treatment of your work-related injury, but workers’ compensation will not foot the bill. Workers’ compensation will not recognize the diagnosis that your physician has given in regards to your condition either. Why Do I Have to Use a Workers’ Comp Doctor? Workers’ compensation is a kind of insurance. Just like other insurance companies, workers’ compensation contracts with physicians and medical providers. Those who they contract with are in their network and will provide services at a reduced rate, which in turn, costs them much less when they pay for the care of an injured worker. Because these medical providers are contracted with them, they also agree to provide the medical records regarding your care and can determine whether you are able to return to work. Because of the agreement, workers’ compensation and your employer will only accept the recommendations of in-network medical providers. Choosing Your Own Physician You do have the right to choose your own physician, but when you do so, you are willingly giving up your workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation will not cover the costs of a medical provider who is out of network and will not recognize any diagnosis provided by a non-network physician, so you will not be paid for your lost wages. When deciding to choose your own medical provider, you are willingly giving up access to workers’ compensation benefits. You can choose a different doctor or switch providers only in specific situations. Those extenuating circumstances include an emergency, or when care is not provided by the carrier or employer – such as you need treatment from a specialist that is not authorized by the carrier but that your treating physician believes you need, or if there is good reason to go outside the network. While the last reason is vague, a workers’ compensation attorney can help you determine if you have met those requirements. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer If you have been injured in a workplace accident, and you are in need of medical care that is not provided by your employer or their insurer, or if you are not happy with the care you are receiving, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. A workers’ comp lawyer will determine the best way to proceed with your claim and will make sure your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly. You have nothing to lose, so complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to get your claim on the right track. Additional Resources Can I Get a Second Opinion If I Saw an Approved Doctor? My Employer Wants Me To Get Checked By A Doctor They Hired…Do I Need To Go?
