Can You Choose Your Own Doctor After a Work Injury in Mississippi?
Suffering a burn or electrical injury while at work can be a traumatic and life-changing experience.
In Mississippi, workers’ compensation laws are designed to help injured employees access medical care and financial support while they recover. One of the most pressing concerns for injured workers is whether they can choose their own doctor for treatment. Understanding your rights under Mississippi law can significantly affect your quality of care and your overall recovery.
Mississippi Workers’ Compensation
Mississippi’s employers are required to provide medical benefits to any employees who suffer work-related injuries. These are benefits meant to cover necessary treatments, like emergency care, surgery, physical therapy expenses, and the cost of prescription medications.
The law is meant to ensure that injured workers get appropriate care without facing out-of-pocket expenses they may not have available.
Mississippi has specific rules for choosing a doctor. In most cases, workers have some degree of control over their medical provider, but this right comes with certain conditions. Knowing how these rules apply can help you make informed decisions about your medical care.
Can You Choose Your Own Doctor?
Mississippi workers’ compensation laws allow injured employees to select their own physician, but important stipulations exist. Employees can choose one treating physician or medical provider within a specific practice field. Once selected, that doctor becomes your primary treating physician and oversees your care.
If you need to see a specialist or require additional treatments, your chosen physician can refer you to other medical providers. These referrals aren’t separate choices, allowing you to access specialized care without forfeiting your right to continue treatment with your original doctor.
What If Your Employer Selects the Doctor?
Some employers direct injured workers to a specific doctor or clinic for an evaluation. While you may be required to attend this appointment first, Mississippi law preserves your right to select your own healthcare professional for your ongoing care. If you’re not happy with the care you receive from your employer’s doctor, you have the right to choose another provider.
It’s important to communicate your choice clearly and document your decision to avoid any misunderstandings. Inform both your employer and the insurance company handling your claim about your chosen physician to ensure your treatments are covered without delays.
Changing Physicians
If you’re unhappy with the treatment provided by your initial doctor, Mississippi law allows you to request a change, stating that “an injured worker has the right to select one physician or medical provider of his or her own choosing to render treatment.”
However, switching physicians requires approval from your employer or their insurance carrier. In some situations, disputes may arise about the need for a change. When this happens, you can seek assistance from the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission to resolve the issue. Because the process can become complicated, seeking legal advice may help you navigate the system and protect your rights.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can assist with filing the necessary paperwork and advocating for your medical needs.
Are Your Treatments Covered?
To have your medical expenses covered by workers’ compensation, it is crucial to follow proper procedures. Notify your employer about the injury immediately and seek medical attention promptly.
Keep a copy of all records of treatments, diagnoses, and costs related to your injury.
Mississippi also requires injured workers to follow their doctor’s treatment plan, so attending all appointments and complying with prescribed therapies is essential.
If there’s a dispute regarding your coverage or if specific treatments are necessary, a lawyer can be a significant help in resolving the issue quickly. Attorneys experienced in workers’ compensation claims, like ours, know how to challenge denials and advocate for your right to care.
The Importance of Medical Documentation
Medical documentation plays a critical role in workers’ compensation claims. Accurate records of your diagnosis, treatments, and progress serve as evidence to support your claim. These documents can also help demonstrate the extent of your injury and the need for ongoing care.
Your chosen physician should provide detailed reports to the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. These reports ensure that your treatments remain covered and can support claims for additional benefits, such as wage replacement or disability compensation if needed.
At Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, our attorneys know that navigating the workers’ compensation system can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re still dealing with the physical and emotional impact of a burn or electrical injury.
Understanding your right to choose a doctor and receive appropriate care can empower you to take control of your recovery. It’s essential that you act quickly, communicate clearly with your employer and insurer, and seek legal guidance if disputes arise.
Mississippi’s workers’ compensation laws are meant to protect injured employees, but understanding how these laws apply to your situation is key to ensuring you receive the care and support you need.
By taking the proper steps and staying informed, you can focus on healing and moving forward confidently.
We’re here to help.
