Learn How To Choose a Doctor for a Work Injury from a Columbus Workers Compensation Attorney
You got hurt at work. You need to see a doctor, but you aren’t sure where to go for treatment. Should you use your employer’s recommended provider? Or, should you see a doctor of your own choosing? If you should see a doctor of your own choosing, how do you choose? Our Columbus workers compensation attorneys explain:
You Have the Right to Choose Your Own Doctor
In Ohio, the law is clear: You have the right to choose your own doctor for your work injury. Even if your employer has a company doctor or provides you with a list of “recommended” or “approved” providers, you can still go anywhere you choose.
You Should Exercise Your Right to Choose Your Doctor
Not only can you choose your own doctor, but you should do so. There are several reasons why. If you see a company doctor or recommended provider, this doctor unfortunately might not have your best interests in mind. Instead, the doctor might be more focused on providing the minimum treatment necessary to get you back to work as quickly as possible. If you choose your own doctor, your doctor’s only priority will be to help you recover—regardless of how long it takes or how much it costs the Ohio Workers’ Compensation Fund.
Your Primary Care Doctor Isn’t Necessarily Your Best Option
Given that you can (and should) choose your own doctor, you may be tempted to see your primary care physician. But, this isn’t necessarily your best option.
Here’s why: When you file a workers’ compensation claim in Ohio, you will need your doctor to fill out a variety of different forms. It is extremely important that your doctor fills out these forms correctly, as failure to do so could negatively impact your claim. A primary care doctor who is unfamiliar with the workers’ compensation process is more likely to make mistakes, whereas a doctor who regularly serves as a “physician of record” (or “POR”) for injured workers will have a clear understanding of the information he or she needs to provide.
We Can Help You Choose a Physician of Record
If you are not sure how to find a physician of record for your work injury, we can help. As Columbus workers compensation attorneys, we work with many local physicians and chiropractors on a day-to-day basis. We can give you a list of options, and you can choose the doctor who seems like the best option for you. With that said, it is important that you see a doctor promptly, so we encourage you to contact us right away if you need help choosing a provider.
Speak with a Columbus Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Free
If you would like help finding a local doctor who can treat your work injury and help with your claim for benefits, please feel free to get in touch. To speak with a Columbus workers compensation attorney in confidence, call 888-444-7440 or contact us online today.