Washington state’s workers’ compensation program provides financial benefits to workers who suffer an injury on the job or develop a work-releated illness. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) oversees workers’ compensation claims, and injured employees can file claims online, by phone, or at the doctor’s office. Applying for workers’ compensation benefits in Washington requires an attention to detail and an adherence to the strict rules and regulations that govern this process. While an injured worker is typically able to choose their own doctor when seeking medical treatment, the medical physician must be authorized by L&I to treat injured workers. Even though your employer may strongly recommend that you seek medical treatment from a medical professional that they recommend, you have the right to decline this offer and seek treatment from an authorized doctor of your choosing. Doctors play important roles in workers’ compensation cases, as they verify that the injury or illness is work-related and work with you to determine when you are cleared to return to work.
In some cases, injured workers can become frustrated with the doctor they have enlisted to assist them with their workers’ compensation claim. They may feel that the current treatment is inappropriate or insufficient, or that their healing is not progressing well. It’s worth noting that switching doctors during a Washington L&I claim is allowed, as long as you do so according to the rules and procedures that are in place. Today, we will take a look at how to change a treating physician for a workers’ comp claim and why enlisting the guidance of a highly qualified Seattle workers’ compensation attorney is the best way for you to fully understand and exercise your injured worker rights in Washington state.
Who Chooses Your Doctor in a Washington Workers’ Comp Claim?
While injured workers or those who develop a work-related illness are allowed to choose a medical provider to assist them with the workers’ compensation filing process, the doctor they select must be part of the L&I’s approved provider network. Sometimes, an employer may strongly recommend a specific doctor and ask that a company representative accompany you to the appointment. However, according to L&I, “You may see a company doctor if you wish, but you have the right to choose your doctor and also to decide who, if anyone, you want to accompany you to the doctor. You have the right to decline to have the company nurse or any employer representative accompany you to the hospital, doctor, or any other medical visit.” To learn more about your rights regarding workers’ compensation doctor choice in Washington state, reach out to a highly skilled and caring Seattle workers’ compensation lawyer today.
Can You Change Doctors During a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Yes, injured or ill workers may switch medical providers at any time during the workers’ compensation filing process. However, L&I has several rules and policies in place to ensure that injured parties are acting in good faith and genuinely seeking the treatment they need. If you want to change doctors during a workers’ comp claim, it’s important to notify L&I of this switch and make sure that the new doctor is approved to make sure that your claim proceeds smoothly. Generally speaking, L&I allows at least one change of a medical provider during a workers’ comp claim without hassle. Once you decide on a new doctor to oversee your treatment, be sure to have your medical records from the other medical provider transferred to ensure continuity of care. Circumstances in which a change in doctors may be appropriate include frustration with your lack of progress in the recovery process, communication issues with the provider, or your specialty care needs are not being met.
Getting a Second Opinion vs. Changing Doctors
Sometimes, an injured worker wants to seek a second opinion about the nature or treatment plan for their work-related illness or injury. According to L&I, “You also may get a second medical opinion if your claim manager approves it.” Second opinions, referred to as Independent Medical Exams (IMEs), are temporary, authorized reviews of your diagnosis or treatment plan (for example, a second assessment to determine whether surgery is necessary). Seeking an IME may even strengthen your workers’ compensation claim, as you can provide further information and evidence of the nature and extent of your work-related injury or illness. In contrast, changing doctors in the middle of a workers’ comp claim is a different process, as you are transferring your care to a new doctor.
How Changing Doctors Can Impact Your Workers’ Comp Claim
While there are many reasons why switching to a different doctor in the middle of a workers’ compensation claim can be beneficial, it’s important to recognize some of the potential impacts of this decision. Since changing doctors means that you will need to notify L&I of this event, you may face potential delays or added complications that can lengthen the workers’ compensation timeline. Moving from one doctor to another can lead to gaps in treatment or inconsistent medical records, so it’s essential that you communicate clearly with both offices to ensure continuity of care. For more information about how to navigate the workers’ compensation claims process with greater understanding, reach out to Seattle’s go-to workers’ compensation attorneys today.
FAQs About Workers’ Compensation Claims in Seattle
Do I need approval from L&I to change doctors?
Yes, it’s a good idea to inform your claim manager in writing to notify them of your decision to change doctors.
Can I switch to a specialist for my injury?
Yes, as long as the specialist is one of L&I’s approved providers.
When should I speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer?
Contacting a Seattle workers’ compensation lawyer is recommended for those who are struggling with disputes with L&I or claim managers, have been denied appropriate medical treatment, or have concerns about their recoveries or workers’ compensation benefits.
Trusted Legal Support When You Need it Most
If you have questions about the workers’ compensation claims process in Washington state, you need clear and trusted answers so that you can make fully informed decisions with greater understanding and confidence. Reach out to the highly experienced and dedicated legal team at Scott & Scott, PLLC, today by calling (206) 622-2200 to discuss your options with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney.