Someone hurt on the job in Pennsylvania can generally benefit from applying for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation can provide medical coverage for treatment and also disability benefits if a worker must take time away from their job because of their symptoms.
In Pennsylvania, workers have some degree of authority about the care that they receive. In some cases, they can select their own doctor. Other times, they will have to choose one of the six doctors selected by their employer as eligible providers. Occasionally, an employee receiving workers’ compensation will find that they disagree with the doctor providing their care.
Some workers can obtain a second opinion
In most cases, the determination of a doctor is the most important factor when setting a treatment plan. The injured worker needs to defer to the physician’s recommendations regarding their treatment. However, sometimes patients know that the recommended care is not right for them, possibly due to religious beliefs. Workers may have the option of seeking a second opinion. Any employee going through a workers’ compensation claim can pay for a second opinion obtained through a physician of their choice.
The records of that evaluation and the determination of that other doctor may influence what the doctor managing their care ultimately decides is appropriate. An outside perspective may help them adjust their plans.
There is one situation in which Pennsylvania workers’ compensation will pay for that second evaluation. If the physician recommends surgery and someone does not want to have an operation, then workers’ compensation can potentially cover the cost of securing a second opinion.
Workers may find covering the costs of a second opinion worthwhile, as they generally need to comply with the recommended treatment plan. Failure to do so could impact their eligibility for continued benefits. Not only could someone lose medical coverage, but workers’ compensation might also deny them disability benefits if they do not receive the care that a doctor determines necessary for their recovery.
Making sense of the rules that apply to Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claims may help people get the treatment and support that they need while recovering from a job-related health issue.
