Choosing a Doctor After a Work Injury
December 25, 2017
Workers’ Compensation covers all costs associated with a work injury if it occurred while the injured party was officially on the job. However, to receive maximum benefits, it is imperative that an injured worker selects a qualified doctor that understands the Workers’ Compensation process.
Post-Injury Steps
An employee suffering from a workplace injury should notify their employer as soon as possible. Seeking medical attention, particularly if the injury is severe or life-threatening, is equally if not more important. While the employer may recommend a medical provider, victims are not obligated to follow this recommendation.
A company-assigned doctor may not always have the injured worker’s best interests at heart. They may minimize the seriousness of an injury to protect the company or to get a worker back on the job as soon as possible, rather than focusing on the best recovery plan.
Tips for Selecting a Physician
In the state of Maryland, injured workers may select a medical provider of their choice and Workers’ Compensation should cover the cost of treatment. There is no pre-approval process or registry of approved physicians. As long as the physician selected is qualified, injured workers may use that provider. The following qualifications should be considered when choosing a treating physician:
- The physician should be experienced with a comprehensive understanding of the medical condition or injury.
- They should be willing to accept the Workers’ Compensation medical fee schedule.
- The medical provider should understand the Workers’ Compensation claims process.
- They should have a willingness to support the employee’s Workers’ Compensation claim.
- The physician should be available for appointments on days and times that are convenient for the injured party.
- The employee should feel comfortable with the doctor and believe that they are trustworthy.
Since Maryland does not allow employers to dispute a claim based on the choice of medical provider, employers may attempt to prove that a worker’s injury is not directly related to their job, or that the treatment they are receiving is not related to the workplace injury.
An experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer can help work injury victims navigate the claims process and appeal a denial to ensure that their rights are protected every step of the way.
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for All Injured Workers
If you have been injured at work, choosing the right physician to treat your injuries is one of the most important steps to take to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits you deserve. Contact a Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyer at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton to guide you through the claims process. To schedule a free consultation, call 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
