Can I Change My Workers Compensation Doctor in Alabama?

Can I Change My Workers Compensation Doctor in Alabama?

One of the most common complaints we hear from injured workers is “I don’t think my workers’ compensation doctor is listening to me.”

Whether the issue involves communication, treatment recommendations, or simply a lack of confidence in the physician, many injured workers want to know “Can I change doctors in an Alabama workers’ compensation claim?”  The answer is-Yes, under certain circumstances.

Who Chooses the Doctor Initially?

In Alabama workers’ compensation cases, the employer (through its workers’ compensation insurance carrier) generally has the right to select the initial treating physician-called the Authorized Treating Physician (ATP). This surprises many injured workers because in most other situations people choose their own doctor, but workers’ compensation claims in Alabama operates differently.

What If I Am Not Happy with the Workers’ Compensation Doctor?

Fortunately, Alabama law provides injured workers with an important right known as the Panel of Four.

If (1) additional treatment is needed, and (2) you are dissatisfied with your authorized treating physician, you may request a Panel of Four from the workers’ compensation insurance carrier.  No reason for requesting the change is needed-BUT you may only request a Panel of Four one time during the pendency of your Alabama workers’ compensation claim-so the decision whether to request a Panel of Four is one to take seriously as most injured workers do not have any knowledge about the physicians on their Panel of Four and they are hesitant to make an uninformed choice.  An experienced Work Injury lawyer can be invaluable in helping you choose the best physician for you given your injury and where in Alabama you live.

What Is a Panel of Four?

A Panel of Four is exactly what it sounds like. The insurance carrier provides a list of four physicians from which you may select a replacement physician. Once you make your selection, that doctor becomes your new authorized treating physician.

The authorized treating physician plays a significant role in your claim. Among other things, the doctor may determine:

• what treatment is necessary,
• whether diagnostic testing such as an MRI should be performed,
• whether a referral to see a specialist is warranted,
• whether physical therapy should be ordered,
• whether surgery is needed,
• whether you can return to work,
• what work restrictions should be assigned,
• whether you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

As a result, selecting a physician from a Panel of Four can be one of the most important decisions made during the course of a workers’ compensation claim, and decision not to be made lightly.

Many injured workers assume they are stuck with the first doctor chosen by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier, but as we have explained, that is not always the case. Alabama law provides important rights to workers who are dissatisfied with their authorized treating physician; understanding those rights can make a significant difference in both your medical treatment and the outcome of your claim.

If you have suffered a job injury and you have questions about your rights and benefits under Alabama’s workers compensation laws -don’t hesitate to contact and speak with one of the experienced Alabama Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability attorneys at Powell and Denny today for a free consultation. Appointments are available in person, or virtually via Zoom if more convenient.  Powell and Denny would appreciate the opportunity to help.  And remember, there is no fee unless you win.

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