After a workplace injury, you may be wondering who gets to treat your injuries. In Pennsylvania, you may be required to treat with a panel provider first before you can see your own doctor.
However, this rule applies only if your employer follows specific legal requirements. Understanding these regulations is the key to protecting your health and your benefits.
The importance of medical choice
Following a workplace injury, your recovery largely depends on the quality of medical care you receive. Under the PA Workers’ Compensation Act, if your employer maintains a list of at least six designated healthcare providers, you select one doctor from that panel to treat you for the required 90 days.
For this rule to apply, your employer must post the list clearly and ensure it contains at least three physicians. Additionally, they need to provide written notice of your rights at the time of hire and immediately after your injury.
When you can immediately see your own doctor
While you usually need to see an employer-approved doctor for the first 90 days, there are exceptions to this rule. If your employer does not have a valid panel list posted or failed to have you sign the required notice, you can see any doctor of your choice from day one.
In an emergency, you can seek treatment at the nearest emergency room. However, your follow-up care may still fall under the 90-day rule. If the panel doctor refers you to an outside specialist, your employer’s insurance company generally must cover that treatment.
What happens after 90 days?
Once that required window has passed since you saw a panel provider, you have the legal right to switch to a doctor of your choosing. You must notify your employer within five days of your first visit with the new provider if you decide to see your own doctor after 90 days.
The advantage of choosing your doctor
Insurance companies often select panel doctors to protect their bottom line. Choosing your own doctor ensures your treatment is focused solely on your recovery and health.
Additionally, your doctor’s medical reports are the primary evidence used to secure your wage loss and medical benefits. Their findings can help connect your injuries to the work accident, making it harder for the insurer to minimize your compensation.
When your recovery matters
After sustaining an injury on the job, you do not have to settle for a doctor who does not have your best interests for the duration of your treatment. A lawyer can help you receive the medical care and compensation you deserve.