There has been much confusion as to what doctors an injured worker can or cannot visit for treatment. Many insurance companies offer network doctors that you must choose from in order to receive treatment under workers’ comp. Usually, the first doctor you see, if in network, becomes your doctor for all future treatments. Most networks allow for a one-time change, but it must be approved by the network or adjuster.
Finding a network doctor has been a huge headache and source of confusion for many injured workers. Often times, the list of doctors provided are only doc-in-the-box chains that are not equipped to handle ongoing issues or different levels of therapy. Unfortunately, not much can be done if you are stuck in the network scenario and unhappy with your medical provider. In order for a provider to be paid by the insurance carrier, he/she must be in the network.
If you have an insurance carrier that does not have a network, you may see any provider that accepts workers’ comp claims. You are allowed to change doctors, but you must submit a form to the workers’ comp division that must be approved before you start treatment with the new doctor.
Always ask the adjuster whether your case falls under a network, and, if so, ask for the name of the network. This information helps your attorney suggest other doctors in the network that may be able to treat you. Give Bailey & Galyen a call today if you need help understanding your workers’ comp case.
