No one wishes to place their health and wellbeing in the hands of someone they have never met, but if you are an injured worker in Pennsylvania, you may find yourself in this position.

Workers' compensation is insurance that covers an employee's medical expenses and lost wages if they are injured or become ill on the job or as a result of work-related conditions. In Pennsylvania, as in virtually every other state, companies with employees are required by law to carry workers' compensation insurance.

According to the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act, every business and individuals with at least one employee in the state are required to enroll in the state's workers' compensation program. All employees, whether year-round, part-time, or temporary, are included. However, in some instances, certain employees, such as consultants and independent contractors, are not covered.

Due to the fact that your medical provider has a substantial impact on the outcome of your PA workers' compensation claim, it is crucial that you understand your rights in the matter. In Pennsylvania, the workers' compensation system enables the majority of injured workers to receive insurance benefits to cover their medical expenses. However, there are numerous requirements and procedures that injured employees must follow. Similarly, there are an equal number of questions regarding these procedures. One of these, and one of the most complicated, is whether or not a worker who has been injured can see their own doctor. It is important that you contact a PA workers’ comp lawyer at Brandon J. Broderick as soon as possible if you have been injured at the workplace.

So, in Pennsylvania, are injured employees permitted to see their own physician?

Can I Obtain Medical Assistance Anywhere in an Emergency?

Some workplace injuries are subtle, whereas others are obviously traumatic. You have the right to seek emergency care wherever you can if you are bleeding, in excruciating pain, or otherwise require it. It is expected that workers' compensation will cover it.

Do I Have to Notify My Employer of My Work-Related Injury?

Section 311 of the Workers' Compensation Act mandates that injury claims be filed within 21 days of the incident and no later than 120 days. Even if you believe your injury is minor or will recover on its own, you should notify your manager or supervisor immediately.

Can I Choose My Own Doctor After a Work-Related Injury?

In many cases, it is possible for a worker who has been injured on the job to consult their own physician. However, Pennsylvania workers' compensation also permits employers to specify that injured employees see a particular physician. This is referred to as the Panel Acknowledgment.

A Panel Acknowledgement is a list of at least six physicians that an employer may require a worker to visit following a workplace injury.

After sustaining a work-related injury in Pennsylvania, you may choose your own doctor unless all of the following are true:

• Your employer has approved your claim for workers' compensation.
• There is a poster at your place of employment containing the names of at least six designated medical professionals.
• Your employer notified you in writing that you must visit one of their designated healthcare providers, and
• You signed an acknowledgment of the list containing at least six designated physicians (a) when you were hired and (b) after you sustained your on-the-job injury.

If you want your employer to pay for all of your medical expenses, you must obtain care from one of your employer's designated healthcare providers. Even if you treat with a non-designated healthcare provider, you may still be eligible for workers' compensation benefits; however, you may be responsible for paying for the medical treatment during the first 90 days.

Additionally, it is against the law for your employer to point you in the direction of a particular doctor on the list, so any attempt to do so should raise red flags right away. There is a high likelihood that this doctor is more "employer-friendly" than "patient-focused."

An injured worker in Pennsylvania is restricted to their employer's list of healthcare providers for 90 days after their initial visit. After 90 days, you may choose any doctor to treat your injury or illness.

Claims for worker's compensation can be considerably more difficult to pursue than most people believe. If you believe you are not receiving the appropriate medical care or benefits, the most reasonable course of action is to seek experienced legal counsel.

What is the Importance of Seeing an Impartial Doctor After My Work Related Accident?

Since these physicians are typically hired by the employer's workers' compensation insurance company, employers are typically in favor of providing a Panel Acknowledgement. As a result, they do not always have the best interests of the employee in mind. Instead, they focus on reducing the severity of the injury, allowing the insurance company to make lower settlement payments.

These physicians also lack a complete understanding of a person's medical history, as they will likely see the injured employee for the first time. This can also lead to a misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment for the individual.

Injured workers should therefore consult their own physician, if only for a second opinion. This visit is likely not covered by workers' compensation insurance, but it allows the injured worker to receive a second opinion. This can help them determine whether the physician on the Panel Acknowledgement is providing appropriate treatment.

Brandon J. Broderick is Ready to Assist You Today With Your PA Workers’ Comp Claim

When you hire Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, you will have an advocate on your side who cares about your workers' compensation or personal injury case. We have the resources and experience necessary to help you win your case.

Contact us as soon as possible if you have suffered a work related injury in Pennsylvania. We can discuss your legal options and formulate a winning strategy.

Never engage in a legal situation without adequate knowledge or representation. If you require assistance, we are available to help you. Contact us today. We provide no-cost consultations.