After a workplace accident, the injured worker must be seen by a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan. It is important to note that in Pennsylvania, you must see an employer-approved doctor within the first 90 days of treatment. The employer must also establish a list of at least six designated health care providers for the employee, and the employee is required to visit one of them or another designated physician. The employee must continue to visit that same health care provider or designated physician for 90 days starting from the date of the first visit.
Using the correct doctor according to your state’s workers’ compensation laws is necessary for the injury claim to be covered. If the worker decides to go against the state’s law and seeks treatment from an unapproved doctor, then they risk losing their workers’ compensation benefits. Furthermore, their own insurance company may reject their claim if they find out the injury is work-related and should be covered by workers’ compensation.
In Pennsylvania, your employer will provide a list of approved health providers. During your first consultation, you must make it clear that your injury is work-related. The insurance company or your employer may disagree with their findings, in which case they have the right to change your provider.
The doctor that ends up treating you will have a significant influence on your workers’ compensation case. The approved doctor will:
- Diagnose and treat your workplace injury. The doctor will ask how your injury occurred and if there is any medical history related to the injury and other details. Your doctor will then diagnose your injury and provide you with a treatment plan to help you with your recovery.
- Discuss work restrictions. The doctor will make the decision whether you are still able to perform your regular job duties or if you require certain work restrictions or time off. Returning to work too early may result in further injury.
- Report to your employer. The doctor who diagnoses and treats your workplace injury will evaluate the situation as well as create a detailed medical report of their findings, which is then given to your employer and the insurance company. This report will also go to your workers’ compensation lawyer and any other medical providers who are treating you.
West Chester Work Injury Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Help Injured Workers File Workers’ Compensation Claims
If you need help with your workers’ compensation claim, you can contact our West Chester work injury lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC immediately. Call us at 610-594-1600 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.