Getting hurt at work sets off a confusing and stressful chain of events, particularly when the injury requires medical treatment. Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation program covers virtually all employees in the state, which means you should be eligible for medical and wage loss benefits. However, accessing those benefits can be challenging.
The first thing you should do after a workplace injury is seek treatment. Unfortunately, this isn’t as simple as just going to your preferred emergency room or scheduling an appointment with your own physician. In fact, can you see your own doctor on workers’ comp in the first place?
What Are Panel Providers or Panel Acknowledgement?
Under Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act, employers have the right to establish a list of healthcare professionals approved to treat employees for work-related injuries. These are known as panel providers. An employer’s list must include at least six doctors or medical facilities and be clearly posted in the workplace. Employees must also sign a panel acknowledgement form confirming they’ve received and reviewed the list.
The panel provider serves as an injured worker’s initial point of care during the early stages of a workers’ compensation claim. Their role is to diagnose, document, and treat workplace injuries while keeping the employer and insurer informed. This process ensures the coordination of medical care within Pennsylvania’s workers’ comp system.
Do I Have to See Panel Providers?
You might wonder, “Can I see my own doctor for workers’ comp, or do I have to see a panel provider?” Pennsylvania workers’ comp law generally requires you to see a panel provider for the first 90 days after your work injury, but only if your employer followed all legal requirements. That means they must have posted the panel list of at least six qualified providers, and you must have signed the panel acknowledgement form. If your employer skipped these steps, you may choose your own doctor immediately.
After the 90-day period ends, you can select any licensed healthcare provider for ongoing treatment, though you must notify your employer and provide updated medical reports as your care continues.
Can I See My Own Doctor While I’m on Workers’ Comp in Pennsylvania?
If your employer posted a valid panel list, you can only see your own doctor while receiving workers’ compensation after the initial 90-day period. During those first 90 days, any treatment must come from your employer’s list of panel providers. Otherwise, your employer won’t be responsible for payment. After those 90 days have passed, you may choose your own physician or specialist for continued care.
If your employer failed to post a panel list or obtain your signed acknowledgement, you are free to choose your own doctor from the start. Your employer will remain responsible for reasonable medical expenses.
What If My Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?
If your employer or their insurance company denies your claim, you can and should see your own doctor right away for evaluation and treatment. A denied claim means your employer’s insurer is not currently paying for your medical care, which means you can use your own health insurance or pay out of pocket while you appeal the decision. Seeing your own doctor helps establish documentation of the cause, extent, and impact of your injury.
You have the right to challenge the denial by filing a claim petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Your doctor’s records and testimony will serve as key evidence in proving your injury is work-related, and your benefits should be reinstated.
What Is the Importance of Seeing an Impartial Doctor After My Work-Related Accident?
An impartial doctor or independent medical examiner (IME) plays an important role in verifying the nature and extent of your workplace injury. Under Pennsylvania’s workers’ comp system, your employer or their insurer may request that you see an independent physician for an evaluation to confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan. This doctor is not there to treat you. Instead, their role is to provide an objective medical opinion.
Seeing an impartial doctor can have significant effects on your workers’ comp case. Their findings may influence whether your benefits continue, change, or stop altogether. It’s important to be honest, thorough, and cooperative during the examination.
Exceptions That Allow You to Choose Your Doctor While on Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania
While Pennsylvania law generally requires you to see a panel provider for your first 90 days of treatment, several exceptions allow you to choose your own doctor sooner. These exceptions exist to protect workers when employers fail to meet their obligations or when specific medical needs arise. You may select your own doctor if:
- Your employer did not post a panel list or obtain your signed acknowledgement form
- The panel list includes fewer than six providers or lacks the appropriate medical specialty for your condition
- You require emergency care
- Your employer or insurer denies your claim
- More than 90 days have elapsed since the date of your injury
In each of these cases, your employer remains responsible for covering your reasonable, necessary medical costs through its workers’ compensation insurance.
Contact the Workers’ Comp Lawyers at Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C. For Help
Pursuing a workers’ comp claim can be confusing and overwhelming. In the immediate aftermath of a workplace injury, it’s understandable to be focused on getting the treatment you need, and you may assume your employer’s workers’ comp insurance will cover the resulting expenses. However, being unaware of the rules and failing to see a panel provider when required can jeopardize your workers’ comp claim and create a risk that you could lose your right to benefits under Pennsylvania law.
Having an experienced workers’ comp attorney in your corner can substantially reduce your risk of missing out on the benefits you deserve. At Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C., our attorneys have been working with and supporting injured Pennsylvania workers for over 20 years. We know your rights and your employer’s obligations under workers’ comp law and are here to guide you through the process of accessing your benefits.
Contact us right away to get started with a free consultation. You’ll pay no attorney fees unless we secure compensation for you.
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For more than 20 years, our attorneys have been helping injured workers navigate the complex Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system. We empower workers with the information and the representation they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families’ future.
