Can I Choose My Own Doctor?

When you are injured in a work-related accident, having a doctor you trust can make the recovery process much easier. In workers’ compensation cases, you have the right to choose your source of care. Here are a few things to know about selecting your doctor.

How to Choose Your Doctor

While you have the right to choose your doctor for your first visit, there are certain restrictions to consider: Insurance Restrictions: When receiving care for work-related injuries, you must notify your employer and insurance company of your chosen doctor. If they are not included in your insurance coverage plan, you may have limits on who you can receive care from. This also applies to any specialists your doctor recommends. Contact your insurance provider or HR department for information on insurance restrictions. If needed, a good attorney can help guide you through this process as well.

What if I Don’t Have a Doctor?

Even if you don’t already have a primary care physician, you can still receive care for work-related injuries. When injuries require immediate care, you can go to an urgent care center or a walk-in clinic. They can treat your injury initially and may refer you to a specialist or a primary care provider later if needed. While urgent care clinics need to be in-network for insurance coverage, workers’ compensation can cover emergency situations (severe injury) despite being out of network. For more information on specific workers’ compensation benefits, click here.

Finding In-Network Doctors

When recovering from an injury, it is important to have the right health care provider. Using in-network doctors will minimize your personal financial costs. Here are some ways to check if your doctor is part of your insurance network:

• Check with Your Employer: When injured on the job, your employer must provide you with information about their workers’ compensation insurance plan and managed care organization. They should give you a list of doctors or medical providers that are included in their network. Be sure to talk to your HR department for information about your medical care options.
• Contact the Insurance Company: If you’re not sure about your employer’s insurance provider or the MCO they work with, reach out to the insurance company directly. They can give you a list of doctors, clinics, and specialists that are in the network for your workers’ compensation claim.
• Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division: The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division can also be a helpful resource. They may be able to provide guidance on the specific networks available in your area and how to verify that a doctor is included in your employer’s managed care.
• Online Tools: Some managed care organizations have online directories that let you search for doctors by specialty, location, or type of care. Check your MCO’s website to see if this tool is available.
• Ask the Doctor Directly: If you’re considering a specific doctor or clinic, you can call their office and ask if they accept workers’ compensation and are part of the network for your employer’s insurer.

Can I Change Doctors during Recovery?

If you’re not satisfied with your current doctor or need specialized care, you can request to change doctors. However, you generally need approval from your insurer or managed care organization to make this change. Your managed care organization or employer may have specific steps to follow. You will also need approval if you are recommended to see a specialist. If needed, an attorney can help you with this process.

Contact Us

After receiving a work-related injury, getting the right care from the right source is key to a swift and full recovery. Knowing who to turn to and how to get that care can be a complicated process. A good, qualified attorney can help you stay on track and simplify the legal process. For a free consultation and to see if a lawyer is right for you, contact us at 888-813-3188.