Panel Physicians and Workers Comp

So you got hurt at work and need to see a company doctor. Now what?

After you have given notice of your injury, your employer may require you to treat with one of their “panel physicians” through their insurance carrier. If your employer has a list of panel physicians or “company doctors,” you will be required to treat with one of the doctors on the list for the first 90 days of your injury.

Under the Workers’ Compensation Act, your employer is required to advise you of their list of panel physicians at the time of your hire and also at the time of your injury. They are also required to have you sign an acknowledgement that you are aware this policy and provide you with the list upon your injury.

If for some reason you do not like the doctor that you have chosen, […]

Follow the Golden Rule . . . Give Notice As Soon As Possible

If you are hurt at work, the most important thing to remember is to report the injury to your employer through your supervisor at the time of the injury. Every injury should be reported, no matter how small you may think it to be. Any injury could potentially become a liability, not only to your health but also to your finances if it is unreported. Telling your employer that you are injured is your responsibility and it is called “giving notice.”

Too many times an employee will feel a “pop” in their knee, a pain in their shoulder or their back, and let it go for days or weeks. Not reporting an incident or injury can allow your employer to deny your claim through their insurance carrier. This can initially prevent your medical expenses and/or wage loss from being paid if the treating physician should later remove you from work due to the injury. […]