If you’ve been injured at work in Georgia, you might be wondering whether you can choose your own doctor for workers’ compensation treatment. While the process seems straightforward, it’s actually influenced by various rules that determine your options and the level of care you receive.
How to choose a doctor for your workers’ compensation claim?
Under Georgia’s workers’ compensation system, your employer typically controls your choice of doctor in the initial stages of treatment. The employer or the insurance company will designate a physician or healthcare provider from a list of approved doctors known as the “panel of physicians.” When you report your work injury, your employer must provide you with a panel of at least six doctors or medical providers to choose from for your treatment.
Can I change doctors in the workers’ compensation system?
If you’re dissatisfied with the treatment you receive from the doctor selected from the panel, you do have the right to request a change. However, there are specific guidelines to follow. First, you must notify your employer or their insurance company about your desire to change providers. After they approve your request, you can then choose another doctor within the same panel.
If none of the doctors on the panel offer the care you need, you might be able to change providers, but only with approval from your employer or the insurance company. In some cases, the insurance provider may approve a referral to a specialist or a different provider outside the panel if it’s deemed necessary.
What happens if I want to see a doctor outside the panel?
If you want to see a doctor outside of the approved panel, you generally need to receive approval from your employer or the insurance carrier beforehand. If you see a doctor without their consent, you may be responsible for the costs of the treatment.
While you may not always have full freedom in choosing your workers’ compensation doctor, knowing your rights can help you navigate the system and receive the best possible care.