Your Legal Right to Choose Your Own Doctors
The law allows you to choose two doctors to treat your injury. In some cases, you may need to be treated by other medical professionals-for example, a surgeon and an orthopedic specialist. If you get referrals from a doctor you chose for these other specialists, this still counts as a single selection, and the cost of treatment is covered.
Some employers have a preferred provider network, and may require you to see one of their approved doctors to treat your work-related injury. The law allows you to opt out of seeing an employer-approved doctor, but doing so counts as one of your selections.
If you want to choose your own doctor, it’s usually best to start with a primary care physician you trust. This doctor is more likely to be thinking of your best interests, and can give you referrals to specialists as needed.
After your work-related injury, you may have been taken to the emergency room to receive treatment from a doctor there. That does not count as one of your selections.
An Experienced Lawyer Can Help You Get the Treatment You Need
Even though the law allows you to choose your own doctors, employers and insurance companies may still dispute whether certain treatment is necessary. They may even claim that you are able to return to work.
That’s why you need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney fighting for you. We can help you fight back against attempts to deny you benefits. Our legal team knows how to gather evidence that proves your case, and we will stand by you during all appeals and hearings.
If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident and are seeking a doctor for medical care, we can help. Contact us online to learn more about what we can do for you.
