Workers’ compensation benefits and doctors: Who chooses?
Reviewed for legal accuracy by
Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Doctors: Who Really Chooses in Pennsylvania?
Most industries come with some level of risk — from construction, where heavy machinery, busy worksites, and intensive labor pose dangers, to office work, where repetitive strain injuries are a less obvious peril. Workers’ compensation is a safeguard meant to protect both employers and employees in cases where injuries or illnesses occur in the workplace or while performing job duties.
Pennsylvania law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Many workers are under the misconception that they must see their employer’s recommended doctor to qualify for benefits. The truth is more nuanced.
Workers May Pick Their Physician
In Pennsylvania, injured workers generally have the right to select their own healthcare provider for treatment. Choosing your trusted doctor allows you to receive care from someone who understands your medical history and is focused on your recovery.
Employers May Require Use of Panel Doctors
If your employer maintains a compliant list of at least six providers, including at least three physicians, and meets the required notice and acknowledgment rules, you generally must use listed providers for 90 days from your first visit to a designated provider. You may switch among listed providers; emergency care and other exceptions apply.
After the period, you may choose another provider, but must notify your employer within five days of your first visit to the new provider.
This system often creates confusion. Employers sometimes select doctors who may be inclined to minimize injuries or push workers back to the job before they’re fully healed. That’s why it’s critical to also seek guidance from your own medical team and a workers’ comp lawyer who can protect your rights.
Know Your Options After a Workplace Injury
Workers do have choices after a workplace accident — both medical and legal. If you’re unsure about your rights, or if your employer is pressuring you to see only their chosen doctor, it’s wise to speak with a Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist.
Learn more about workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania
Get Help Protecting Your Rights
At Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio, we’ve helped injured workers across Delaware County and Media, PA navigate disputes over medical treatment and protect their full benefits.
Call 610-892-9300 or request a free consultation online.