Provider Networks or Panels for Workers’ Comp Treatment

In many states, employers have the option of contracting with a preferred provider plan, network, or managed care organization to treat their employees’ work injuries. This is an increasingly popular way for employers and insurance companies to reduce costs and control medical care for workers’ comp cases. If your employer has a plan like this, you must select a treating doctor from within the network and follow its rules for getting medical care.

Certain states allow employers to present injured workers with a list (or panel) of doctors to choose from. These lists usually must contain a minimum number of doctors and specialists; often, there are limits on the number of occupational clinics that may be included.

Employee Selects the Treating Doctor

In some states—like New York, Texas, and Illinois—you have the right to choose your own treating doctor, as long as your employer doesn’t have a provider plan or managed care arrangement. Typically, however, you need to choose from a list of health care providers that the state has approved for treating workers’ comp injuries.

There may be extra requirements for choosing your own doctor. In California, for example, you may use your personal primary care physician as your treating doctor, but only if you have given your employer written notice before the injury that you want to do that; also, this option is only available if your employer offers group health coverage.

Whichever way your choice is here at Atwater Medical Group we provide the best personal plan for your treatment and recovery.