When it comes to being injured in the workplace, you may find some of the rules and guidelines difficult to follow. One aspect you may have difficulty navigating is the aspect of medical care. Here are some things to know to help ensure you get the best possible care after your workplace injury.
Visit the Company Doctor
After you report your injury to your employer, you should be given information about how to follow up with a physician approved by the company's insurance. You'll want to visit this doctor first to stay in compliance with the rules regarding reporting a workplace accident. Of course, if your accident requires emergency services at a nearby hospital, following up with the company physician should follow your immediate medical care. For example, you may be transported to the hospital by ambulance and receive emergency treatment, but you'll need to make a follow-up appointment with the company doctor.
Get a Second Opinion
For some injuries, you may want to get a second opinion from your own personal physician. It's important to note that you may be responsible for the cost of this visit. Your private health insurance carrier may not cover the cost of this visit because of the worker's compensation situation, so it's possible that you'll need to pay out of pocket. However, if you believe that the company-approved physician didn't provide adequate care, it's important that you seek treatment to help you recover. In some situations, you may want to hire a workers compensation attorney. He or she can help you find an independent third party doctor to help with a second opinion for both the diagnosis of the issue and the best treatment plan.
Keep All Your Appointments
It's important to make sure you keep all the medical appointments related to your injury. By not getting the required medical care, you can potentially make your injury worse. Your employer's lawyers may even be able to use this information during proceedings in the case. You should still be able to advocate on your own behalf regarding treatment options you are and aren't comfortable with, so be sure to consult with your lawyer if you feel your company-approved doctor's treatment options may not be right for you. Of course, you'll still want to discuss any concerns you have with the doctor first, as he or she may be willing to work with you to find a treatment plan that makes the most sense for your injury and your personal needs.
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