Can workers’ comp claimants in Georgia change doctors?

Many workers injured on-the-job in Georgia find themselves questioning whether or not the doctor they selected is right for them.  Sometimes it seems like certain medical professionals are on the side of your employer and their insurance company.  What does Georgia workers’ compensation law allow you to do in this situation?

You do have the right to change from one doctor to another without any special authorization – as long as the doctors are on the same panel.  However you can only do this once.  If you don’t like any of the doctor’s on your employer’s panel, then you may need to ask your employer to agree to a different doctor.

If your employer doesn’t allow you to select a doctor outside of their panel of physicians, then you do have the option to petition the State Board of Compensation for a change in physician.

Now, if you are already receiving income benefits from your employer, then you have another option.  In this situation you can request an independent medical exam (IME) from a doctor of your choosing – and your employer has to foot the bill.  This is an option you can use to get a second opinion, because the new doctor won’t become your regular treating physician, but they can be used to support your request to change physicians.

To speak with an experienced Georgia attorney about your workers’ comp situation, please contact the Atlanta based office of Kaufman Law at (888) 973-2540.