How a Doctor Is Chosen For a Workers Compensation Claim

If you’ve had an injury that has been deemed work related, or were injured while on the job, chances are you’ve already had your workers’ compensation claim accepted and have been receiving treatment from the workers comp doctor specified by your compensation insurance company. This is due to the guided procedures in the workers’ compensation process.

Who Decides Your Doctor

In some states, the workers compensation law may require the insurance company make the final decision on which doctor an injured worker is seen by. This is in order to protect the insurance company from fraudulent claims by letting them appoint trusted physicians to injured claimants. In other states, the law may allow for the individual that has been injured to make the decision on what physician he or she will see. No matter what state, the final decision on what doctor the injured worker may seek treatment or services from rests with the State Workers Compensation Board, also referred to as the State Industrial Commission.

It should be noted, however, that no matter the state the injury occurs in, the injured worker has the right to object to the treatment provided by the employer or insurance company and make a request for another physician. In most states the injured worker also retains the right to be seen and treated by their own doctor as well as the one appointed by the insurance.

Independent Medical Examination (IME)

This is usually the most important step in the workers comp process according to the insurance company, as the insurer typically relies on this specific report to formulate its offer of total compensation. This means that this initial examination is just as important to you, as you need to be aware of how your doctor is interpreting the information you give him.

His diagnosis will directly effect the amount of benefit your employers’ compensation insurance allows you. Be sure to arrive prepared with a list of questions regarding your condition, and take thorough notes of your doctor’s comments after your examination.

How Long You’ll Have to See Your Appointed Doctor

Some states will allow an injured worker to change from the insurance company appointed workers comp doctor to a doctor of their own choosing after a period of 3 months. Typically the insurance company will continue coverage through this period. However, this option is not available everywhere, so if you are considering changing your physician you should consult a professional workers compensation consultant to make sure you will still be covered should you decide to exercise this option.

Getting Help

After suffering a work injury, you need to make sure your rights are protected. The best way to do this is through getting help not just from workers comp doctors but also from a qualified and experienced attorney. While your doctor can take care of your medical needs, your attorney can take care of your legal ones, helping to ensure fair compensation for your damages.

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