Can I choose my own doctor for workers comp in PA?
Are you wondering, “Can I choose my own doctor for workers comp in PA?” Discover the ins and outs of choosing a doctor under the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act and make an informed decision.
The Doctor Dilemma: Navigating Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania
In the Keystone State, where the spirit of brotherly love and a rich tapestry of history are woven together, navigating the murky waters of workers' compensation can be a bit like solving a puzzle. “Can I choose my own doctor for workers comp in PA?” you might wonder. Let’s dive headfirst into this topic and unravel the mystery.
Can I Choose My Own Doctor for Workers Comp in PA?
Can you choose your own doctor for workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania? Well, it's a yes and no situation. In Pennsylvania, employers can have a list of designated healthcare providers. If your employer has this list, you are required to see a doctor on that list for the first 90 days. After that, you are free to choose your own doctor.
Why the 90-day Rule?
It may seem like a tough pill to swallow, but the 90-day rule has a silver lining. The intention behind it is to ensure that you receive immediate medical attention from a reliable source.
Picking Your Own Doctor After 90 Days
Once the 90 days have passed you may choose your own treating doctor. If you need specialized treatment or diagnostic tests, the employer’s insurance carrier will be required to pay those bills if the treatment is reasonable, necessary and related to the work injury. If the treatment is challenged by the employer, find an experienced attorney who has experience in work injury cases to get those medical bills paid.
Understanding Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act
Phew! It's a mouthful, isn’t it? But understanding the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act is crucial. It's the bread and butter of the workers’ compensation process.
The Nuts and Bolts of the Act
The “ACT” ensures that employees who are injured on the job receive compensation. This compensation can include wage loss benefits and medical benefits.
Medical Benefits Galore
Under the “ACT”, an injured worker is entitled to receive payment for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury. This includes, but is not limited to:
Doctor visits
Surgery
Physical therapy
Medications
Wage Loss Benefits
If the injury is severe enough to cause a loss of wages, the act provides compensation to pay those the lost wages.
Reporting the Injury
Time is of the essence! It's crucial to report your injury to your employer within 120 days. But it’s even better to do it ASAP.
Knowing Your Rights and Responsibilities
Knowledge is power. Knowing your rights and responsibilities when it comes to workers’ compensation is critical to ensure your wage loss and medical expenses for your work injury are protected.
Right to Adequate Medical Care
You have the right to adequate medical care for your injury.
Responsibility to Comply with the Employer’s Panel List
Your employer may have a panel list of designated healthcare providers. It's your responsibility to tip your hat to this list for the first 90 days.
The Importance of Documenting Your Injury
Documentation is vital in a workers’ compensation claim.
Keeping a Record
Keep a current record of everything - medical records, receipts, and any communication with your employer or insurance.
Documenting the Incident
When documenting the incident, be as detailed as possible. Think of it as painting a picture with words.
How to Deal with Disputes
If a dispute arises with your employer following the work injury contact an experienced attorney who handles work injury cases.
Experience in Workers’ Compensation
Find a lawyer who's been around the block a few times with workers’ compensation cases.
Reputation and Reviews
Check out reviews and the lawyer’s reputation.
FAQs
Can I choose my own doctor for workers comp in PA? For the first 90 days, if your employer has a list of designated healthcare providers, you must choose from that list. After 90 days, you can choose your own doctor.
What is the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act? It's an act that ensures injured employees receive compensation, which can include wage loss benefits and medical benefits.
Do I have to report my injury to my employer? Yes, it is crucial to report your injury to your employer within 120 days.
What should I document regarding my injury? Keep records of medical records, receipts, and any communication with your employer or insurance.
How can I resolve disputes with my employer or their insurance? First, try negotiating and communicating with them. If that doesn’t work, consider seeking legal recourse.
How do I choose a lawyer for my workers’ compensation case? Look for a lawyer with experience in workers’ compensation cases and check their reputation and reviews.
Conclusion
The question, "Can I choose my own doctor for workers comp in PA?" has a multifaceted answer. In the initial 90 days, you’re tied to your employer’s list if they have one. After that the employer is responsible for paying for the medical treatment of your chosen medical providers that is reasonable, necessary and related to the work injury. Remember, equip yourself with knowledge, document meticulously, and if the employer fails to pay medical expenses and lost wages for the work injury contact an experienced worker’s compensation attorney.