An injury at work can have a serious impact on your health. To recover fully from your injury, you’ll need excellent medical care from a doctor that you trust. But, what if you don’t like the doctor that the hospital or your employer sent you to?
In Oregon, you have options when it comes to your treatment after a work injury. However, the process of changing your workers’ compensation doctor can be complicated and confusing. With the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, you can navigate the process and be confident that your best interests are represented.
Whether you need help filing a claim for a work injury or you’re ready to switch doctors, the Law Office of Michael J. Orlando is ready to assist you. Our attorney has years of experience in the insurance industry, having worked as an adjuster, auditor, and insurance company supervisor. Now, he works to help injured workers receive the compensation they deserve. The Law Office of Michael J. Orlando is proud to serve clients in Beaverton, Oregon, as well as Eugene, Salem, and Portland.
When it’s time to choose a doctor after a work injury, the law varies from state to state. In Oregon, you may go to an emergency room, an urgent care clinic, or your regular healthcare provider directly after the injury. However, if your claim is denied, then you and your health insurance provider will be responsible for the bills.
After you seek immediate treatment, in Oregon, you have the right to choose your own medical care provider. However, there is a condition on your choice if your claim is enrolled in a managed care organization. In this situation, you must choose an attorney who is part of your employer’s managed care organization network.
No matter what your situation is, make sure that you clearly communicate with your doctor that your injury happened while you were on the job.
You may feel that your workers’ compensation doctor isn’t taking your case seriously. Or, you may feel that the treatment your doctor prescribes isn’t effective at helping your recovery. In these situations, you will likely want to change your workers’ compensation doctor.
It may be possible to switch to a new doctor if you don’t like the doctor who has been treating you. The process of changing doctors for workers’ compensation can be complex.
You will most likely be allowed to request to change your attending physician or authorized nurse practitioner. However, your request may or may not be approved. Working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you increase your chances of having your request to change doctors successfully approved.
It may be the case that you’d like to seek a second opinion from a different doctor before making any further decisions about your medical care. In Oregon, you may be able to get a second opinion. If your employer is enrolled in a managed care organization, it is likely that you will be able to seek a second opinion from another doctor within the network.
When you seek a second opinion, the doctor will evaluate your medical records, perform a one-time examination, and provide suggestions for your treatment. The doctor will also provide recommendations for your work restrictions and limitations.
A second opinion is especially useful if your original workers’ compensation claim was denied. However, you may have to pay for a second opinion. Speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to learn more about how a second opinion would work with your employer.
Recovering from a work injury takes up your time and energy. When your doctor isn’t providing the care you need, you may need a new medical care provider. A workers’ compensation attorney can help. At the Law Office of Michael J. Orlando, we leverage our years of experience in the insurance industry to help you. Our firm serves clients in Beaverton, Oregon, as well as Eugene, Salem, and Portland. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Law Office of Michael J. Orlando