Don’t Settle for a Company Doctor
After you’re hurt on the job, one of the first things your employer will probably do is send you to a clinic to see a doctor.
But it’s a company doctor whose goal might be to rush you back to work so the workers’ compensation insurance company can pay you as little as possible.
You have a right to choose your own doctor under workers’ comp, someone who will take the time and care to get you all the help you need.
You also should get a doctor who understands how the workers’ comp system works.
Experienced workers’ comp lawyers, like those at Mitchell & Associates, can help you with this. We know the local system and the local doctors.
Why You Should Get Your Own Doctor
When you’ve been hurt on the job, and now you’re Too Hurt To WorkTM, it might seem like your employer is just trying to make things easier by connecting you with a doctor.
But if you get stuck going to your employer’s doctor, it puts you at a disadvantage.
Company doctors are more likely to declare that nothing is wrong with you. They might try to approve you to return to work too soon.
That way, the workers’ comp insurance company doesn’t have to keep paying for other benefits for you, like lost wages or help finding new job options.
A doctor who truly works for you will look out for your needs and give you time to heal.
How Do You Know What Doctor to See?
You need to get a doctor who knows the workers’ comp system.
Workers’ comp has its own rules for medical treatment. It has certain forms doctors have to fill out at certain times.
At Mitchell & Associates, we know how to work with local doctors and make sure they follow all the workers’ comp requirements.
We can connect you with doctors who will protect your best interests.
And we can make sure you get medical treatment fast.
How to Get Your Doctor Approved
When you choose a doctor, you must get him or her approved by your employer and claims adjuster by sending them a “Choice of Physician” form.
The attorneys at Mitchell & Associates help you with that.
You do face some limits on what doctor you can select:
- You can’t go to two doctors of the same specialty under workers’ comp. For example, you can’t see two orthopedists for your back injury. But you may be able to see an orthopedist and a neurologist.
- If you want to change one of your workers’ comp doctors, you also need approval from your employer.
- And your employer has the right to choose a doctor to examine you for a second opinion. You’re required to cooperate with second opinions under workers’ comp. If you don’t, your benefits can be stopped.
You Should Never Pay for Medical Care
In workers’ comp, you should never have to pay out of pocket for medical treatment for your workplace injury.
You should receive these medical benefits:
- Doctor visits at no cost to you
- Reimbursement for costs of traveling to doctors’ offices
- Reimbursement for prescriptions
If your clinic tries to charge you for medical care, or your employer tries to make you go only to a company doctor, you need someone to step in and protect your rights.
The experienced attorneys at Mitchell & Associates can make sure workers’ comp works in your favor.
We’ll provide an initial assessment of your case for free.