Lawyer discusses employee’s right to choose medical providers after 28 days.
Michigan law guarantees payment of medical bills for work-related accidents regardless of fault. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, medication, physical therapy, injections, durable medical equipment, and surgery. In Michigan, you can change doctors for your workers’ comp case but only after 28 days from the start of medical care.
Our clients are frequently seen at industrial clinics where they receive subpar medical attention. It is not until they see their own doctor that a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is made. We recommend getting away from the employer clinic as soon as possible.
Insurance companies want to pick a doctor because it gives them control over medical costs and work restrictions. Our experience shows insurance company doctors will not support a claim once benefits are disputed. We have seen countless situations where the doctor just gives in to whatever the insurance company wants and sends a person back to work.
If you are looking to change your doctor during your workers’ comp case, we tell our clients to pick the best physician for their situation and not worry about cost. The goal should always be a speedy and full recovery. It is also important to have a doctor who will support the claim if medical is later disputed. Don’t let the insurance company dictate your medical care!
Can I change my workers’ comp doctor in Michigan?
Michigan law allows a person to change their workers’ comp doctor after 28 days from the start of medical care. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment should be covered without copayments or deductibles being owed. Medical costs are fixed by a state-wide fee schedule so pick the best doctor who is available.
Is it easy to change my workers’ comp doctor?
In Michigan, changing doctors during your workers’ comp claim is easy and just requires informing the insurance company of your intention. Sending an email, letter, or fax to the insurance company with the name, address, and telephone number of the new doctor should be enough. Watch out for adjusters who lie and say they do not have to pay. Make sure to speak with an experienced work injury lawyer if this occurs.
Make sure medical records are updated
Insurance companies will require updated medical records and off work notes from the new doctor. Failure to cooperate with this requirement could result in medical and/or lost wages being cut-off. We recommend obtaining records and sending them to the insurance company yourself.
Injured on the job and need help? Call our attorneys now for a free consultation!
If you were injured on the job in Michigan and you have questions about changing your doctor for your workers’ comp claim, call now (855) 221-2667 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
For more than 40 years, our lawyers have been helping people like you who have suffered from on the job injuries in Michigan. We understand the physical, emotional, and psychological hardships you are experiencing from your accident. We also have the skill, experience, and know-how to protect you and get you the best possible payout amount for your case.
To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Remember, every work injury claim and settlement is different and must be negotiated on its own merits. Do not accept any payout amount without fully understanding your legal rights.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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