Which doctor can I see if I’m injured on the job?

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Your job duties may involve a lot of physical labor that leaves you vulnerable to on-the-job injuries. Whether it is a back injury caused by heavy lifting or an accident with heavy machinery, there may come a time when a workplace injury leaves you unable to work and in need of medical care.

You may have heard that workers’ compensation benefits are available in such situations. These benefits can cover the costs of your medical treatment and, in some cases, compensate you for the time you are unable to return to work. Your first instinct may be to see your own doctor for this care, but are you allowed to do so and still be eligible for workers’ compensation?

Who can I seek treatment from if I’m injured at work?

If you are seeking workers’ compensation benefits you must see an authorized physician for your medical care. This is a physician authorized by your employer and their insurance carrier for the treatment of on-the-job injuries.

If you are injured while at work, you should let your employer know of the injury as soon as possible. Your employer will let you know which doctor to seek your initial treatment from. Your employer’s insurance carrier will then advise you on which doctor to seek follow-up care from. If your injury lands you in the emergency room, make sure to give them your employer’s contact information.

You do not want to initially see your own primary care provider if you are injured at work. Doing so could jeopardize your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. Any physician you see must be authorized by your employer or their insurance carrier.

Seek treatment from an authorized physician.

One of the primary benefits of workers’ compensation is the payment of medical care. However, you may be limited in which physicians you see. Your primary care provider may not be authorized by your employer or their insurance carrier. Ensuring you see the correct physician is key to ensuring you can collect workers’ compensation benefits.