Can I Change My Workers’ Compensation Doctor in Florida?

For many injured employees filing a workers’ compensation claim in Florida, this process can be incredibly overwhelming. Not only do you need to worry about your injuries, but you also may be unable to work during this time, which can hurt your ability to pay bills and make ends meet. To make matters even worse, you are unhappy with the doctor provided to you by your insurance company. As such, you may wonder if it’s possible to switch providers during this process. If this represents your circumstances, it’s imperative to keep reading. The following blog answers this question and explores the importance of discussing your injuries with a Florida workers’ compensation attorney.

Can I Choose My Own Doctor After a Work Injury in Florida?

When you sustain an injury at your place of work in Florida, you may want to schedule an appointment with your regular medical provider. However, it’s imperative to understand that you must seek care from a provider authorized by your employer and their insurance provider. As such, this provider will be responsible for overseeing your workers’ compensation injuries.

You should note that one of the only instances in which you are able to see a provider not preapproved by your employers is in the event you require emergency care. If this is the case, you should seek treatment at your nearest hospital as soon as possible.

What Can I Do if I’m Unhappy With the Physician Assigned to Me?

There may be several reasons why someone is unhappy with the medical provider they have been referred to by their employer’s workers’ compensation company. For example, if they feel like the doctor is downplaying their injury or has not exhausted all treatment options, you may be uncomfortable continuing care under this provider.

As such, the state of Florida allows for a one-time switch during your claim. If you wish to see a new provider, you must submit a formal written request for a new doctor. You do not need to provide a reason. As you are mailing this request, you should send the letter through certified mail, as this will inform you of when the insurance company has received your request. From this point, the insurance company has five days to appoint a new provider. If they fail to do so within this time frame, you can choose your own doctor from the list of authorized providers. Once you receive care from a new provider, you no longer have the right to request a new doctor.

In the event you are referred by your physician to a specialist, this does not count as your allotted change. The request for a new primary care doctor must come from the injured employee. A specialist referral requested by a doctor does not qualify as a change request.

If you encounter issues requesting a new provider from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, it’s imperative to understand your legal options. The most important thing you can do is connect with an experienced attorney. At the Law Offices of Kevin A. Moore, our team understands how overwhelming this process can be, especially while managing an injury. Our firm will do everything possible to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.