An injured employee should seek medical treatment right away after the work injury occurs
They should also continue to receive treatment, following all the doctor’s prescribed medications and specifications, until they are released from their doctors. Do not miss doctor’s appointments. Don’t stop therapy. You don’t want your employer or the Insurance carrier insinuating that the injuries are worse because you haven’t done what your doctors have advised.
And here is another very important point to know:
If the Employer follows the rules, it may only have to pay for the doctors on their list. Unless you have a way to pay for your own treatment, you will have to choose a doctor from the list. But Employers often don’t follow the rules about the list of doctors or don’t provide a list at all. In that case, you can choose to see whichever doctor you want, and the employer must pay for that treatment. Employers and Insurance companies don’t like to let you know this, so talking to an attorney to make sure that the Employer and Insurance company are following the rules is essential.
The insurance company is liable for payment of reasonable and necessary medical bills as recommended by authorized doctors. This includes referrals by doctors to other doctors who are specialists. If you sought emergency care in an emergency room or urgent care facility, that does not count as a choice. If you sought treatment at the company clinic that does count as a choice, but you may still be able to switch doctors or seek a second opinion.
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If your employer has properly established a panel of doctors, they are required to inform the employee about that panel at the time of hiring and after an accident. That panel will be on a form provided by the SBWC and must be posted in a place where employees can see it. This process can seem confusing, but an experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer can make sure you are seeking medical treatment from the RIGHT providers.
There are ways to change doctors and still have the Employer pay for your care.
One way is to choose a doctor from the list of doctors if the employer followed the rules about maintaining that list. When, whether, and how to change doctors may require a great deal of consideration. It is crucial to think through the consequences of that choice because it may inadvertently hurt your case. An experienced lawyer can help you make that decision and advise you of your options and what the best strategy is. (Contact Marietta injury attorney at 770-766-0555)
Make sure that you attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
Remember, Employers and Insurance companies are looking for ways to minimize your claim and turn you down. Failing to follow your doctor’s recommendations and to attend therapies, take medications as prescribed, etc. can hurt your case and make it easier for the employer to deny your claim.
Learn more at: Make Sure You Give your Doctors a Full and Complete History
This is an excerpt of the book “11 Secrets to Winning Your Workers’ Compensation Claim.” This book will answer many of these questions and give you the knowledge you need. Get your free copy now.
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