Can I Use My Doctor for Workers Compensation?

When you have to file a workers compensation claim, there are certain requirements that you must meet in order to receive your benefits. This includes providing the proper information, documenting the event and filing within a certain time limit (such as within thirty days of the injury). 

Another restriction is the doctor an employee may use. 

When you file a workers compensation claim through your insurer, you will be expected to receive medical attention within a certain amount of time. Usually this is within at least thirty days after the accident. You may not be able to go to just any doctor, however. Workers compensation policies typically come with a list of approved healthcare providers. An injured employee must go to one of these healthcare providers for their initial medical care after the work-related accident. 

Can My Workers Compensation Claim Be Denied if I Go to a Different Doctor? 

Going to a healthcare provider that is not approved by the insurer can mean that your workers compensation claim could be denied. You don’t always have to stay with the initial healthcare provider, however. 

For example, say you are injured at work. Your employer sends you to an approved clinic for a medical exam. You receive treatment and medication. After that initial visit, you may have the option to request that you seek any further treatment for your injury at your personal healthcare provider. Not all healthcare providers are covered, so be sure to ask your employer for a list of approved healthcare providers under their workers compensation policy. 

As long as you need to receive medical assistance for your work-related injury, workers compensation should help you with medical expenses as they arise. Be sure to speak with your employer about the limits and approved healthcare providers on their workers compensation policy. Your personal healthcare provider generally knows you better than a new doctor will, so there is no harm in checking to see if your doctor is covered for work accidents. 

It is important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, but you should also be comfortable with who you go to for medical assistance. Many individuals have specific healthcare providers they go to in case of an accident, injury, etc. Ask your employer’s insurer questions about their workers compensation policy and make sure that your healthcare provider is covered under workers compensation benefits.