Workers’ compensation coverage in Florida helps protect workers from the negative impacts of an injury on the job. The benefits they receive can replace their wages if they require a leave of absence and can pay for their necessary medical treatment.
Unfortunately, workers don’t have full control over their treatment. They typically have to defer to the physician overseeing their claim. They also don’t get to choose the physician. Either their employer or the insurance company providing their employer’s workers’ compensation coverage chooses the medical professional treating the patient and making the major choices about their claim.
It is somewhat common for injured workers to disagree with the decisions made by a doctor in a workers’ compensation claim scenario. Can injured workers request treatment by a different physician when there is a dispute?
Workers can change the doctor they see once
The rules for workers’ compensation care in Florida allow injured employees the option of changing the physician in charge of their case. Typically, they can only do so one time throughout the duration of their claim. They must submit a request in writing to the insurance provider. They still do not get to select the doctor on their own behalf.
When should workers seek out a new physician?
There are several scenarios in which injured employees may need to ask to transfer to the care of a different physician during a workers’ compensation claim. The first involves a disagreement about treatment.
When a physician recommends a very aggressive treatment plan, like surgery, the worker may not want to follow that recommendation. Instead, they might want to try less intense treatment options first. When there is a significant dispute about the best course of treatment, switching to a new doctor could be a good choice.
Disagreements about the severity of the condition, the need for on-the-job accommodations or when a worker is ready to return to work can also justify requesting the replacement of the doctor providing the worker’s care.
Injured employees already struggling with medical challenges and financial stress may have a hard time managing the nuances of a complicated workers’ compensation claim. Securing the right support can help workers more effectively utilize their workers’ compensation benefits. Employees who question the choices made by a doctor may need help managing the claims process and learning about their rights.