Workers’ compensation benefits help employees hurt on the job. Benefits can also provide support for professionals diagnosed with work-acquired medical conditions. Traumatic injuries, serious illnesses and repetitive strain disorders are medical issues that workers may develop because of their employment.
In theory, workers’ compensation can help them address the expenses caused by their injuries or illnesses. Workers’ compensation can provide medical coverage for all necessary treatment. Workers may also be eligible for disability benefits if they need time off to recover or can no longer work because of their medical challenges.
The physician overseeing a worker’s care decides what treatment they should receive and when they are ready to return to work. What happens if a worker disagrees with the treatment plan proposed by their physician?
There are several options for frustrated employees
Employees receiving workers’ compensation benefits typically need to comply with the treatment plan established by the physician overseeing their claim. Depending on the situation, that treatment plan might include medication, surgery or physical therapy.
If the worker does not agree with the treatment plan, then they may need to seek a second opinion. The doctor overseeing a workers’ compensation claim technically has the authority to order a second opinion if they deem it necessary. The worker can request that the physician refer them out for a second opinion.
If the doctor refuses to approve a second opinion request, then the injured employee has a few options. They can choose to seek a second opinion using their own resources. They can then present the documentation from that appointment to the doctor overseeing their treatment. The physician may be more receptive to feedback when another doctor has reached a different conclusion than they did.
Workers also have the option of requesting a change of physician. However, they generally do not get to select the physician on their own behalf. The insurance adjuster managing the claim chooses the physician. The second option can be somewhat risky, as there is no guarantee of what treatment plan the new physician may recommend. Workers only get to change the doctor overseeing their treatment once per claim.
In situations where employees who require workers’ compensation coverage worry about the recommended treatment plan, they may need help reviewing their options and communicating with the parties involved in their claim. Discussing a complicated workers’ compensation claim with a lawyer could help an injured employee evaluate their options. Second opinions can help workers get the treatment and benefits they require for the best possible prognosis.