If you have been hurt on the job in Georgia, we recommend you report it to your supervisor as soon as possible. Even the most minor accidents may end up costing the injured worker time and medical expenses. Generally, your employer has paid for workers’ compensation insurance in the event that (more…)
panel of physicians
As an injured worker what kind of medical treatment am I entitled to?
Employers are required to furnish treatment for employees who have been injured on the job. This would include “medical, surgical, and hospital care and other treatment, items, and services which are prescribed by a licensed physician.” This also includes prescription drug medication.
In addition, medical benefits may include counseling, or may include home attendant care, and in some circumstances domestic household services. These benefits may also include newly developed medical procedures under FDA investigation despite the fact that the procedures have not yet been approved by the FDA.
In many instances, employees hurt at work experience delays in authorization, mysterious or last minute request for second opinions, or flat denials of their medical treatment. As medical treatment is crucial, it is important to have someone advocating for you. Not only must this advocate have expertise about the law, but he must be knowledgeable about the physicians treating the injured worker.
If you have been hurt at work and would like a free consultation about your rights to medical care under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act, please contact the Ramos Law Firm at 404-355-3431 or via email.
Georgia’s Injured Employees and Workers’ Compensation
Generally, when an employee is injured in Atlanta or any other city in Georgia, the employee may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are primarily made up of medical treatment as it relates to the work injury and income benefits to a certain point.
In most cases, the Employer may (more…)
Recent Appellate Division Decisions – Panel of Physicians
Every year at the Workers’ Compensation seminar, there is a discussion of recent Appellate Division decisions. Although they are not binding precedent, there is often a great deal of guidance to be gleaned from these discussions. One recent decision from the Appellate Division was with regard to the employer’s duty to maintain a posted panel of physicians.
As discussed at length in a previous blog, the employer has a duty to maintain a list of at least six physicians. There are guidelines as to (more…)
What are the Employer’s Rights and Duties?
Along with the shield against tort claims that arise out of and in the course of employment, Employers have the unique right of controlling who the injured Employee treats with after the accident. The Employer is required to post a list of physicians who the Employer has confidence will treat its Employee’s fairly. This list of often referred to as the “Panel of Physicians.”
Employer may maintain a traditional panel of physicians that shall consist of at least six (6) non-associated physicians. Employers are allowed to have more than six physicians on this panel as well. The minimum panel shall include (more…)
What medical benefits must a company provide to be compliant with Georgia Workers’ Compensation Law?
Georgia law requires an employer to maintain a list or panel of six (6) different physicians, professional associations or corporations of physicians that an employee must select from to treat his on the job injury. Georgia law requires that one of the six physicians must be an orthopedic surgeon who specializes with hand and upper extremity injures; and no more than two (2) professional associations or corporations of physicians can be industrial clinics.
The Board further stresses that if the company is located in an area where it is feasible, minority physicians should be included as an option. This being said, there are options for the injured employee who is not satisfied with his employer’s options.
Under Georgia law an employee may switch physicians for treatment purposes one time without anyone’s permission. This new physician becomes the new authorized treating physician for workers’ compensation purposes. All subsequent medical referrals will generally flow through this new physician to make sure that all medical care is coordinated.
Georgia workers’ compensation law recognizes “life time” treatment for the work related injury. The Employer is responsible for treatment, mileage reimbursement, therapy, and prescription medication as long they have been prescribed the authorized physician as being related to the occupational injury.
For more information, please contact Bryan Ramos.
