Can I Change My Workers’ Compensation Doctor?

Workers’ compensation covers an injured employee’s medical expenses after a workplace accident. Our work-related injury lawyers answer frequently asked questions about treating physicians.

If you have been injured while on the job in New York, seeking medical treatment is of the utmost importance. It is the only way to protect your safety and well-being. However, injured workers often have questions regarding the physician they should see. So, if you have been hurt, can you see your own doctor for treatment?

Can I Choose My Own Doctor While on Workers’ Compensation?

Yes. While many other states place restrictions on the doctors that injured workers can see after a workplace accident, this is not the case in New York. Generally speaking, you can seek medical attention from any physician who accepts workers’ compensation payments. Although your employer’s insurance company cannot prohibit you from seeing a specific physician, they may also ask for a second opinion.

The insurance company also has the right to request an independent medical examination (IME). An IME can only be conducted once and may involve a physical exam as well as an evaluation of your medical records. You can record your IME and bring a witness to the exam.

How to Find a Doctor for Your Workplace Injury?

You can search the provider database provided by the Workers’ Compensation Board to find a doctor to treat your injury. If you already have a doctor, you can ask them whether they accept workers’ compensation payments. If so, you can receive treatment from them. However, they must complete and file a “Doctor’s Initial Report” within 48 hours of your first visit. If they do not file this form, the insurance company may deny the payment.

Can You Change Doctors?

Some states also prevent workers from changing doctors once treatment has begun. Or they limit how many times a person can change doctors. This is not necessarily true in New York, but there is a caveat. If your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company has a preferred provider organization, you must see a doctor within that network for the first 30 days of your injury.

After the initial 30 days, you can see whichever doctor you prefer, even if that means changing doctors. You can also change doctors as often as you wish after the initial 30 days. Still, any physician you see for treatment must be authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board.

Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Answer Your Questions

It is common to have many questions when filing a workers’ compensation claim. At Sawers & Sackel, our Buffalo workers’ compensation lawyer can provide the answers and legal advice you need so you can move forward with confidence and obtain the benefits you need to recover from a workplace injury. Call 716-455-2416 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help with your case.