Most people injured or sickened by their employment may apply for workers’ compensation benefits. The benefits available to them can help replace their wages and also cover the cost of the medical care that they require.
The doctor overseeing a workers’ compensation claim determines what treatment the employee must undergo. They inform the employer of any restrictions on the professional’s work capabilities and what accommodations they may require. They also decide when the worker is ready to return to their job or when they have achieved maximum medical improvement (MMI) and no longer qualify for treatment benefits.
A physician has a lot of power during a workers’ compensation claim. Who chooses a doctor to provide or manage care?
Workers can usually choose their own doctors
In many states, the employer or the insurance company has automatic authority over the doctor managing a workers’ compensation claim. Minnesota has a different approach. In most cases, employees have the right to choose their own physicians.
They can select a primary care physician they already know and trust. They can also select a specialist who specifically treats people with their diagnosis. The ability to choose a doctor can help injured professionals minimize their travel time and ensure that they secure the support they require for an optimal recovery.
There is one exception to the rule that allows workers to choose their own doctors. Some businesses participate in managed care plans. There are three different managed care plans certified in Minnesota. If an employer notifies an injured worker of their participation in a managed care plan, then the worker chooses a physician who participates with the plan.
Learning more about workers’ compensation benefits, including rules for medical coverage, can be helpful for those with job-acquired medical issues. The ability to select their treating physician is an important protection for an injured worker.
