Michigan workers compensation lawyer discusses your right to choose your own doctor after 28 days and how to give notice to the insurance company.
Workers compensation provides substantial benefits to employees who are hurt on-the-job. One of the most important is access to quality medical care.
Medical care includes hospital visits, surgery, appointments with doctors, physical therapy, prescription medication, dental care, prosthetics, eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and other devices or appliances necessary to relieve the effects of a work injury.
An insurance company must provide whatever medical care is required provided it is both reasonable and necessary.
Medical treatment under workers compensation
The majority of people who are hurt at work are sent to industrial clinics. A referral to an outside specialist may occur if the injury is more serious. These medical providers are selected by your employer or its insurance company. Sometimes it?s even a company employed doctor.
Insurance companies like to choose your medical providers because it gives them more control over costs and work restrictions. Many of these providers receive a large portion of their business from insurance companies and a conflict of interest may arise.
Our experience shows that you get better medical care when you choose your own medical providers. Many of our clients are initially diagnosed with strains and sprains when their injuries are actually more severe. Proper treatment is often delayed until they see their own physician.
Additionally, you will need a doctor on your side if treatment is ever disputed by the insurance company.
Your right to choose your own doctor after 28 days
You can select your own doctor after 28 days from the start of medical care. All you need to do is tell the insurance company the name of your doctor and intention to treat. We have included a link to a?sample letter we give our clients to help them assert this right.
If you have any questions about workers compensation, call (855) 221-COMP for a free telephone consultation. We are committed to protecting Michigan workers and never charge a fee unless benefits are recovered.
- Alex Berman is the founder of Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers. He?s been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Alex has helped countless people obtain workers compensation benefits and never charges a fee to evaluate a case.
Related information:
What to do if your Michigan workers comp claim is denied
- Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by striatic.
SAMPLE LETTER
NOTICE OF INTENT TO SELECT OWN PHYSICIAN
Date: ?____________________
???????SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL
To:? ____________________
____________________
____________________
____________________
??Re:?Intention to treat with a physician of my own choosing
Dear _____________________:
This letter is to inform you of my intention to select my own physician for treatment of my work-related medical condition.
MCL 418.301(1) states: ?After 28 days from the inception of medical care as provided in this section, the employee may treat with a physician of his or her own choice by giving to the employer the name of the physician and his or her intention to treat with the physician.?
The name, address, and telephone number of my selected physician is as follows:
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours,
_____________
?
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