Getting hurt at work can turn your world upside down in an instant. Beyond the pain and stress of the injury itself, it’s normal to have a flood of questions about what happens next.
One of the most common concerns workers have is whether they get to pick their own doctor or whether the company makes that call for them. This choice matters more than you might think.
After all, the right medical care plays a huge role in your recovery and your workers’ compensation claim.
Who picks your doctor after a work injury in Connecticut
In most cases, your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier selects the doctor at first. Connecticut’s workers’ compensation system gives your employer and their insurance company significant control over your initial visit and treatment. .
You can’t simply visit your family doctor and expect workers’ compensation to cover the bills. That said, you still have options.
Most employers maintain an approved list of medical providers. After your initial treatment, you can generally choose from that approved list and formally request a change if your current doctor doesn’t meet your needs.
Important rules for choosing your doctor after an injury
Knowing the rules before making any decisions protects your claim and your recovery. Here are key things to keep in mind:
- Emergency situations: If you need immediate medical attention, go to the nearest emergency room first. Approved provider rules are forgiven in a genuine emergency.
- Authorized physician list: Your employer must provide you with a list of approved doctors. You can choose any provider from this list after your initial treatment.
- Second opinion rights: You can request a second medical opinion if you feel uncertain about your diagnosis or treatment plan.
- Change of physician: After a reasonable period, you can request a different doctor if you feel unsatisfied with your current care. You’ll need approval from the Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- Unauthorized care can cost you: Seeing a doctor outside the approved network without prior authorization may result in workers’ comp not covering those bills.
You will need to file appropriate paperwork and get the go signal from your company before going to a different doctor. Without proper procedures, you may face unnecessary delays in your treatment and benefits.
Your right to proper care doesn’t stop at the first doctor
You still have input in your medical care after a work injury. If your current doctor doesn’t meet your needs, you have the right to seek a change or get a second opinion. However, there are rules and specific guidelines based on timing and your employer’s approved network.
Workers’ compensation rules make the medical side of things more complicated than it is normally. Consulting a lawyer experienced with handling workers’ compensation concerns helps you to make the right moves and keep your care on the right track for a full recovery.
