The choice of physician under Pennsylvania workers compensation law is an important aspect of the workers compensation system. In Pennsylvania, injured workers have the right to choose their own physician to treat their work-related injuries. This means that the worker can select a physician of their own choice, rather than being forced to see a physician selected by the employer or the insurance company.
The Pennsylvania workers compensation system is designed to provide injured workers with medical treatment, wage replacement, and other benefits in the event of a work-related injury or illness. Under this system, the employer or the insurance company is responsible for paying for the medical treatment of the injured worker. This includes the cost of initial medical evaluations, diagnostic tests, and ongoing treatment.
The choice of physician is an important aspect of the workers compensation system because it allows the injured worker to have control over their medical care. This means that the worker can choose a physician who they trust and who they feel comfortable with. This can be especially important for workers who have pre-existing medical conditions or who have suffered a serious injury.
In Pennsylvania, the worker has the right to choose a physician from a list of providers that are approved by the workers compensation insurance company. This list is known as a panel of physicians. The worker can choose a physician from this list or they can choose a physician who is not on the list. However, if the worker chooses a physician who is not on the list, they may be responsible for paying the cost of the medical treatment.
The choice of physician under Pennsylvania workers compensation law is also important because it allows the worker to receive specialized medical treatment for their injuries. For example, if a worker has suffered a serious injury to their back, they may need to see a specialist such as an orthopedic surgeon. The worker has the right to choose a specialist who is qualified to treat their specific injury. If the specialist that the injured worker needs is not on the panel then they are free to choose any doctor.
It is important to note that after 90 days the injured worker can choose any doctor they wish regardless of whether they are on the list provided by the insurance company. They need only provide the doctor with the insurance information and the doctor can bill the insurance company directly. The doctor cannot “balance bill”. This means that they must accept what the insurance company pays and cannot collect anything from the injured worker.
In conclusion, the choice of physician under Pennsylvania workers compensation law is an important aspect of the workers compensation system. It allows injured workers to have control over their medical care and to choose a physician who they trust and who they feel comfortable with. This can be especially important for workers who have pre-existing medical conditions or who have suffered a serious injury. The worker also has the right to change their physician if they are not satisfied with the medical treatment they are receiving. This allows the worker to receive specialized medical treatment for their injuries and ensure that they receive the best possible care.
It is important to understand that workers’ compensation is a complicated area of the law. The insurance company has lawyers. Shouldn’t you? Call the Law Offices of James V. Monaghan for a free consultation from a Montgomery County attorney certified by the Pennsylvania Bar Association as a specialist in Workers’ Compensation.
