A work injury may make an employee eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Someone who falls while on the clock or develops a repetitive strain injury can qualify for medical benefits and even disability pay if they cannot work because of their injuries.
Workers’ compensation pays for all necessary treatment after professionals develop work-acquired medical conditions. An injured employee typically does not need to worry about a deductible or coinsurance. However, they are typically subject to the plan established by the professional managing their care.
In some cases, the doctor overseeing a worker’s treatment may propose a treatment plan that the employee questions. What options do workers have when they are unsure about a proposed course of treatment?
Workers may be eligible for second opinions
Typically, injured employees need to respect and defer to the medical expertise of the professionals providing their care. They have an obligation to comply with the treatment plan to heal as well as possible.
Physicians with experience treating different medical issues are in the best possible position to evaluate treatment options and recommend the ideal treatment regimen given a worker’s needs. Workers should consider a doctor’s recommendation carefully, even if it is contrary to their personal preferences.
That being said, sometimes workers feel strongly that a specific treatment option isn’t the best choice. Perhaps their doctor recommended surgery, but they want to try physical therapy and muscle relaxants first. Typically, anyone undergoing medical treatment has the option of requesting a second opinion.
In some cases, workers’ compensation may cover the costs of that second opinion. If the recommended treatment plan involves surgery, then workers’ compensation can pay for another professional to evaluate the injured employee and determine if surgery is in fact the best treatment option available.
In some cases, workers may find that it is worth paying for a second opinion to have more leverage when discussing treatment options with their doctor. Other times, it may be necessary to consider requesting a change of physician. However, there are strict rules that apply to such requests.
Workers struggling with a treatment plan and other details of their workers’ compensation claim may need help. Reviewing the proposed treatment and other details about the claim may help an injured employee get the care and benefits they deserve for a work-acquired medical condition.
