When going to work on a daily basis, most people will assume that they will be safe and get through their day without incident. However, accidents and injuries can happen from time to time. If you are injured at work, you should be covered under your employer’s workers compensation insurance plan. This type of insurance is designed to provide you with financial support to cover your medical bills and other expenses, such as lost wages as you go through the recovery process. For those that are injured in New York, one common question is if they are able to see their own doctor for treatment for their work injury.
Whether you are able to see your doctor for your work injuries can vary from state to state. In New York, those that are injured at work, in general, are able to see their doctor. However, there are some qualifications that may need to be met in order for you to see the doctor that you want and have your workers’ compensation claim reviewed and approved.
New York Workers’ Compensation Board
The state of New York takes the health and safety of employees very seriously. This state has established the New York Workers’ Compensation Board. This organization helps to manage and oversee the workers’ compensation laws, regulations, and procedures throughout the state. One area that they focus on is when it comes to doctor selection.
If you want to have your claim approved as easily as possible, you should look for a doctor that has been authorized by the New York Workers’ Compensation Board to perform diagnosis and care for those that are injured and will be filing a workers’ compensation insurance claim. If you do not use one of these doctors for your insurance claim, it could still be approved but may require additional information.
Care Provider Adheres to Guidelines
Another factor that can determine whether you can choose your own physician for your recovery is if they adhere to the guidelines that have been established. Many people that are injured at work will have common injuries and medical conditions. Due to this, there have been strict guidelines established by regulators in the state of New York. These regulators will perform routine checks to ensure that the doctors and healthcare practices are providing appropriate care. If the doctor is not in good standing with the healthcare providers or are not experienced or equipped to provide the care that you need, you may need to find a different doctor to provide your care.
Experience with Workers’ Compensation Claims
When you are injured while at work in New York, you will always want your workers’ compensation claim to go as smoothly as possible. Part of the process will always include having a doctor complete the proper paperwork and submit other information that will be necessary for the review of your case and claim. This paperwork and information can be different than what is submitted for standard medical insurance claims. To ensure it all goes smoothly, you should check with your doctor to make sure that they are experienced with workers’ compensation processes. This can help to expedite your case and result in quicker approval and reimbursement.
Access to Care Through Employer Network
In most cases, your employer will be part of a larger insurance network that has a variety of different physicians, hospitals, and other care providers in your area. Your employer will almost always prefer that you use one of these healthcare providers as it will result in lower costs. If you are ever severely injured while on the job and need to be rushed to the hospital, you will likely be sent to one that is within your employer’s network.
While you may receive this initial care from your employer’s preferred hospital group and doctor, you will always have the opportunity to switch. Generally, after 30 days, you will have the choice to visiting a doctor of your choice to receive the balance of your care. It is important that you receive care from someone that you are comfortable with, has a good reputation, and is offering you a type of care that will help you recover.
Speak with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in New York
If you do suffer from an injury while you are at work, it is very important that you understand your responsibilities, requirements, and your rights. This can include understanding your options when it comes to picking your own healthcare provider for your recovery. As there are a lot of complexities that can come with filing a worker’s compensation insurance claim, it will always help to have legal representation by your side. A New York work injury lawyer, such as the team with Kaplan Lawyers, can offer a range of services that will help to ensure you fully understand your rights and care options and receive the insurance support that you deserve. This will allow you to focus on your recovery as you will know that your rights are being properly represented.