Did you suffer an injury while on the clock with your employer? If so, you are likely going to use workers' compensation. Here are a few mistakes that you won't want to make with your workers' compensation claim.
Not Selecting A Different Doctor For A Second Opinion
Part of the workers' compensation process is that you must work with the doctor that is provided to you. This is because workers' compensation is like using a different form of health insurance, with its own network of doctors you can visit. If you go outside of that network then you will not have your medical bills covered.
That said, the workers' compensation insurance provider is likely going to send you to a doctor that they work with frequently and is friendly towards them. It's always important to get a second opinion regarding an injury to make sure that you're getting the care that you need to get better, but you still have to work within the network of accepted doctors. That's why you should consider transferring to a different doctor so that you can get that second opinion. You can see if your diagnosis and the guidance you receive for care change.
Not Using A QME Panel
Another option at your disposal is to use a QME panel during your workers' compensation claim, especially if you are about to settle your case. A QME panel is made up of randomly selected qualified medical evaluators, which can look at your case from a different perspective. They can look at your injury and see if it aligns with what your primary doctor is reporting.
A QME panel should be used when you do not feel like you are getting the care that you need to recover, and don't necessarily want to go through the hassle of changing to a new doctor. It can be a great way to confirm aspects of your injury prior to settling, because once you settle you can't go back and ask for more money for future medical bills that go beyond the settlement.
Not Appealing Procedures That Are Denied
If you are denied a request for authorization to have a procedure done, know that you can always appeal the treatment denial. Don't be surprised if you have to fight to receive the healthcare that you need, because an insurance provider wants to pay out as little as possible. That's why it helps to work with a lawyer to deal with a request for authorization denial, because it's not just the money on your line, but your health as well.
For more information, contact a workers' compensation attorney in your area.
