Can I Choose My Doctor for Workers’ Compensation Treatment?

When you’re hurt on the job, getting the proper medical treatment is the first step towards recovery. It’s natural to wonder: Can I choose my doctor for Workers’ Compensation treatment? It’s a straightforward question with an answer that requires a bit of unpacking, as the rules can vary from Florida to Georgia.

 

Florida’s Guidelines on Medical Providers

In Florida, when you file a Workers’ Compensation claim, generally, your employer or their insurance company will select the healthcare provider. This can often lead to confusion and a feeling of lost control over one’s own healthcare decisions. You might be questioning whether you’ll receive the level of care you need if you can’t pick your doctor. While it’s true that you don’t have the initial choice, there are provisions in place to ensure you receive competent medical attention.

 

Georgia’s Approach to Medical Care After Injury

Georgia’s system offers a slightly different approach. Here, employers must post a list of at least six doctors or facilities authorized to provide medical treatment for Workers’ Compensation claims, known as the “Panel of Physicians.” As an injured worker in Georgia, you can select a doctor from this panel. This gives you some autonomy in choosing who will handle your treatment, but it’s essential to stay within the designated list to ensure coverage by Workers’ Compensation.

 

What if You’re Unhappy with Your Doctor?

Whether in Florida or Georgia, you might find yourself dissatisfied with the care you’re receiving. What then? Both states have processes that allow you to request a change of doctor. In Florida, you can make a one-time change of physician, and in Georgia, you can switch to another doctor on the Panel of Physicians. However, going through these changes can be tricky, and it’s vital to follow the specific procedures to avoid paying out of pocket.

 

The Importance of Following Protocol

Understanding the protocol is essential for your medical treatment under Workers’ Compensation. Not following the rules could make you responsible for the medical bills. That’s why it’s critical to be aware of the steps to take when seeking a doctor change and to do so promptly. Staying within the guidelines will help ensure that your treatment continues uninterrupted and is covered by Workers’ Compensation. The following actions could lead to the individual being held financially responsible for the medical care outside of the Workers’ Compensation protocol:

• Switching doctors without obtaining the necessary authorization or without following the prescribed procedure for a one-time change of physician.

• Seeking medical treatment from a provider not part of the approved network or Panel of Physicians without prior approval.

• Failing to request or complete the required paperwork within the designated time frames when seeking a change in medical provider.

• Not adhering to the specific guidelines laid out by the employer’s insurance company for obtaining medical care after a workplace injury.

 

The Cost of Non-Compliance

Failure to follow proper protocol can be costly. If you decide to switch doctors without adhering to the rules, or if you seek unauthorized treatments, the expenses incurred from these actions will likely be your responsibility. In some cases, this could mean thousands of dollars in medical bills that could have been avoided.

 

Getting the Best Possible Treatment

We prioritize ensuring you get the best treatment to return to work and your daily life as soon as possible. Knowing how to work within the system in Florida and Georgia can help ensure that happens. While you might not have the freedom to choose any doctor you like for your treatment, you do have rights and options within the Workers’ Compensation framework that are designed to protect and help you through recovery.

 

Your Advocates in Workers’ Compensation Cases

At The Leach Firm, P.A., we serve the people of Florida and Georgia with over 100 years of combined experience in fights against workplace discrimination, personal injury, and worker’s compensation cases. Understanding the healthcare aspects of Workers’ Compensation can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Call The Leach Firm at 844-722-7567 or contact us online for a free case evaluation with a seasoned lawyer in Florida or Georgia. We’re here to ensure that you get fair treatment and the medical care you deserve while you focus on healing.