You can see your regular doctor at first, but your primary care doctor usually should not be your main treating physician in a DC workers’ compensation case.
If you are hurt at work in Washington, D.C., you have the right to choose your own doctor for workers’ compensation treatment. Your employer or their insurance company cannot force you to see one of their doctors, and workers’ compensation is responsible for paying for your care.
That said, using your regular primary care doctor as your main treating physician is usually not the best choice in a workers’ compensation case.
Primary care doctors often have years of unrelated medical history in your chart that has nothing to do with your work injury. In workers’ compensation cases, insurance companies frequently try to access medical records, and unrelated information can end up being reviewed or misused.
Work injuries also commonly involve trauma to bones, discs, nerves, or joints. These injuries usually require treatment from a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor, neurosurgeon, or pain management physician. Most primary care doctors will refer patients out for this type of care.
In addition, many primary care offices are not set up to handle workers’ compensation billing, paperwork, and insurance approvals. This can lead to delays in treatment, medications, and even weekly wage benefits.
It is fine to see your regular doctor right after a work injury or to ask for a referral to a specialist. But for ongoing treatment, it is usually better to work with a doctor who understands the workers’ compensation system.
Waiting to Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Cost You Benefits in DC
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If you were hurt at work and are unsure which doctor to see or what steps to take next, you are not alone. Getting the right medical care early can make a real difference in how your case moves forward. If you need help understanding your options, give us a call. 202-393-3320 or book your free consultation here:
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