You have a close relationship with your primary care physician. This person has treated you for many illnesses and injuries throughout the years so it is only natural that you will want to turn to them if you are injured at work. Can you do so and still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits?
Workers’ compensation and choice of physician
In Pennsylvania, you generally must initially see a physician from a list of at least six physicians chosen by your employer if you are injured on the job. If there is no list of chosen physicians, you may be able to choose your own doctor. You can choose anyone on the list; your employer cannot choose a specific physician for you.
You must continue seeing a physician from the list for 90 days following your first visit. If during that time period you see a physician outside of that list, the care provided may not be covered by workers’ compensation benefits. After that 90-day period is up or if your employer has no list of physicians, you can see whichever physician you choose.
Once your workers’ compensation benefits begin, your employer’s insurer has the ability to request that you see a physician of their choosing for a one-time exam. If you do not comply, your workers’ compensation benefits could be suspended.
Workers’ compensation can be key to recovery
Workers’ compensation benefits can be key to your recovery, so it is important that they are not denied or suspended. To avoid unnecessary delays in obtaining benefits, you will want to make sure you are seeing the right physician to treat your workplace injury.