Injured at Work: Finding a Doctor for a Work Comp Claim

Need a doctor after an injury on the job? You’re not alone. Workplace injuries are unfortunately common, but you have options for medical care.

When you’re hurt at work, you may need a doctor as you navigate your workers comp claim. They’re a key part of proving you’re due benefits, but it can be hard to choose the right one. Here’s what you need to know about finding the right doctor. 

Understanding Workers Compensation Claims

Workers compensation claims must be understood to succeed. Its strict procedures and state-by-state regulations can be confusing. To maximize your rights and achieve the best result, you must understand the process.

Workers compensation claims must be filed on time. Your employer may give you 30 days to report an injury or illness and file a claim. File on time to avoid losing benefits. Also, submit medical reports and witness statements on time.

Knowing the claims process gives you an advantage when dealing with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters want to protect their employer, so they deny or reduce claims. Knowing your workers compensation rights can prevent this.

Some forms of compensation are automatic, but others require state-approved forms to prove eligibility. The form-filling protocol can help avoid delays and benefit denials.

Selecting a Work Comp Doctor 

Your employer may require you to see a specific doctor after a workplace injury. You can still get a second opinion from a different doctor, especially as you’re filing your workers comp claim.

Choosing a doctor who can treat workplace injuries is crucial. Examine a doctor’s experience, approach, and patient referrals. Here are some questions you may need to ask during this process. 

• Does this workers compensation doctor treat similar injuries?
• What are other patients’ opinions of this doctor’s bedside manner?
• Does this doctor offer physical therapy?
• Can I self-pay for my treatments?

To learn more about a doctor’s credentials and treatment methods, schedule a consultation about your health and well-being. Researching potential healthcare providers and asking the right questions can reduce stress during the claims process and give you confidence that you are receiving high-quality care.

Friends and Family Referrals

After your research, friends and family may recommend a doctor. Hearing from a trusted source, whether positive or negative, is helpful. However, your needs may differ from those of others. One person’s negative experience may have been caused by the nature of the injury rather than the quality of care.

Therefore, when taking advice from others, use your best judgment to determine if their opinion is valid and if their experience is similar to yours. Yelp and other online reviews can also reveal how people feel about certain services and how helpful they found them.

Insurance Networks and Clinic Schedules

After getting recommendations from friends and family, insurance networks and clinic schedules can help find a work comp doctor. Insurance companies often list medical providers in their network. These networks make finding a doctor and paying with accepted insurance plans easier.

Working with clinic schedules can help get the right specialist appointment. Specialized clinics can take weeks or months to treat work-related injuries, but it may be worth the wait to get personalized care. While navigating insurance networks and schedule closures may improve cost and access to care, larger sacrifices may be needed if certain treatments, diagnostic tests, or medications are not covered by certain insurance plans.

If a work comp claim requires a specialist, healthcare policies and provider availability should be considered. Finding a medical professional who understands the complexities of a work-related injury and is willing to work toward resolution can help you heal and return to work. To receive appropriate injury care at low or no cost, individuals must understand the finer details of any policy coverage.

Do You Need a Specialist?

Finding doctors who can diagnose and treat your workplace injury is crucial. General practitioners aren’t always enough. Workers may need an orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, or another specialist for their injury. Specialists cost more than primary care physicians, but they may provide better care and speed recovery, and reduce disability.

Cost, location, specialty, and provider experience determine the right specialist. In these cases, poor treatment providers can worsen conditions, limiting future employment opportunities and requiring more expensive medical interventions.

Treatment and Advice

After filing a workers’ compensation claim, you may need to start treatment if you haven’t already. Your doctor may recommend taking time off work or getting physical therapy, depending on the severity of your injury. To receive full compensation, you must maintain your rights during the claim process.

Always prioritize injury treatment. Taking care of themselves mentally and physically will help them focus on how to handle their situation and move forward in life faster.

Balance Your Recovery and Claim with a Workers Comp Lawyer 

Recovering from a work accident is already no easy task. To recover from a work injury while balancing a workers compensation claim may feel impossible. Luckily, the lawyers at Conway, Pauley & Johnson P.C. have the tools you need to make your claim a success. 

If you’ve been injured in a work accident and need help, your lawyer has the tools to help you find the right care specialist and seek out the benefits you’re due when you’re hurt. To learn more, reach out for a free consultation. Give us a call at 402-462-5187 or fill out the online contact form below to speak with a lawyer about your claim.