Changing Your Doctor in Workers’ Compensation Case in North Carolina

When To Consider Switching Doctors in Work Injury Case in North Carolina

After suffering an injury, whether in a work-related accident or because of someone else’s negligence, it’s important to get along with your doctor and trust the advice they give you. Aside from showing up on time for appointments and making sure to fill and take the medications they prescribe you, it is important to do what your doctor says because they know the best ways to help you recover quickly from any injury.

But as you know, not all doctors provide the same quality of care. As a result, you may never fully trust your doctor, which may cause you to ignore their advice and prolong your recovery as a result. In some cases, the medical treatments your doctor orders may not be working as effectively as you had hoped, either. Whatever your reason may be, recovering from an injury is important, which is why you may want to consider changing doctors.

What To Do Before Changing Doctors

Before making the decision to change doctors, you must first get approval from the workers’ compensation insurance company or from the Industrial Commission. Even if you have a doctor in mind that you would like to work with instead, know that you do not have the authority to choose a different doctor for yourself or approve other medical treatments.

Seeking Help From An Attorney

Some people feel more comfortable having an attorney handle certain processes with their workers’ compensation claim because of a lawyer’s extensive understanding of the law and how much more effective they are at handling legal issues. You should know that you are well within your rights to hire an attorney to help you with your workers’ compensation claim, as well as to guide you through the process of changing doctors if necessary.

At Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, we have more than two decades of experience guiding residents of Hickory and western North Carolina through legal processes, including making requests to change doctors for medical treatments.

When you obtain our services, we will contact the insurance adjuster for approval to attempt to negotiate a change of physician. If the adjuster refuses, we will then file to change your physician with the Industrial Commission. Though the Industrial Commission has the final word on your treatment, our attorneys can help the agency see your side of the story and the rationale behind requesting a change in doctors.

Contact Us

If you believe switching doctors may help your recovery process, we encourage you to contact our firm before taking your first steps. We can walk you through the process and set you down the right path. Contact us online or call 828-328-9966 or 888-321-0494 (toll free) to schedule a free initial consultation.