Скачать или смотреть Do You Have To Use The Insurance Network Doctor For Your Workers' Comp Injury?

If you have been to the doctor for a workplace injury, then you have probably run into the concept of employer network doctors. In fact, these networks have not been named correctly. They are really insurance company networks.

The concept of the employer network is similar to a health insurance plan. If you have health insurance, then you have to see a doctor that is on that plan. It works the same way in workers’ comp. Your employer has most likely contracted with an insurance company that has a medical network of doctors that they have put together for you to treat with. And, you will have to pick a doctor off of that insurance company list of doctors to treat your injuries.

If your employer did not choose a plan with a network of doctors, then you get to go to any doctor willing to treat you for your injury. If your employer chose an insurance plan that included a network of doctors, then you have to get treatment within that network.

What doctors are in that network? Primary care doctors, called Treating Doctors in workers’ comp lingo, are usually at urgent care centers like Concentra or PrimaCare. You’ll even see Care Now in these networks. Our clients have historically described situations where there is very little actual treatment, delays in getting the right testing and imaging, and a quick kick to the curb while they are still in pain and unable to function like they could before their injury.

This is the number one reason why injured workers need to see a lawyer. In most networks, there are doctors available who care about the patient and want you to get the right treatment. But, nobody ever tells you about those doctors! We do.

You are allowed a change of doctor in the network – at least one. This is accomplished by notifying the adjuster of the new choice of doctor. Some networks require a form, others just an email. It all depends on each network’s rules.

If you find yourself at a doc in the box, or maybe you’ve already been kicked to the curb, we want to be your law firm.