When you’re injured at work, your first priority should be your health. Your choice of primary or specialized care provider can significantly influence your recovery path and overall healthcare journey.
Still, you might be wondering about your immediate healthcare options. Do you have to use a company-approved physician? The answer is yes, but subject to various legal considerations.
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation
Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation program assists employees injured at work. It guarantees these workers medical care and financial support, regardless of who caused the injury. However, navigating the process of choosing a healthcare provider can be challenging. If you’re feeling lost, consider the following legal framework:
- The first 90 days of treatment: Upon sustaining a work-related injury, the state’s workers’ compensation program requires employees to follow specific protocols for initial treatment. For the first 90 days of treatment, you must seek medical care from a list of healthcare providers approved by your employer or their insurance company.
- Post-90 days treatment: Once you hit the 90-day mark, things change. You’re free to switch to any healthcare provider of your choice. The key here is informing your employer and their insurance company about the change within the first five days of the visit.
For the best possible care and support, familiarize yourself with your rights and choices under the workers’ compensation program.
Exceptions to the rule
In some situations, using a panel of physicians may not be applicable. For example, you can get immediate medical care from any healthcare provider during an emergency. Once the emergency is stabilized, you may need to switch to a panel provider for continued treatment within the initial 90-day treatment period, but your emergency treatment will still be covered.
Furthermore, if your employer does not adequately inform you of the panel requirements, you may have the right to choose your own provider from the outset. Again, they must inform you of your legal rights and obligations under the workers’ compensation policy. Failure to do so may result in a waiver of the requirement to use the panel providers.
Understanding your options for medical care after a work injury is crucial. It can impact your recovery and your workers’ compensation claim. While the system has rules, it’s designed to help ensure that you get the right care for your on-the-job injury. No matter the ins and outs of your unique case, you are better off making an informed decision with the help of appropriate legal guidance.
