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Experienced Representation For Southern Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Claims

Can You See Your Own Doctor For A Workplace Injury?

On Behalf of | Dec 13, 2021 | Workers' Compensation |

Even if you have been healthy so far in your life, you undoubtedly know how difficult it can be to find a doctor you trust. You are certainly not alone. In fact, only 15% of Americans claim to have high confidence in the medical professionals they see.

In some states, injured workers have no choice but to visit a doctor their employer chooses. Fortunately, that is not the case in Minnesota. That is, you can seek diagnosis and treatment for your work-related injury from any doctor you choose.

Your employer may mislead you

If your employer does not understand Minnesota’s workers’ compensation laws, you may receive incorrect information about the doctor you must see. On the other hand, your employer may try to mislead you by directing you to its workers’ compensation physician.

Either way, because your medical interests and your employer’s goals may not be the same, you may need to push back against or even ignore HR’s doctor recommendation.

Your doctor may not be a good fit

While you may feel comfortable discussing your work-related injury with your primary care physician, your doctor may not be a good fit for your workers’ compensation claim.  After all, some general practitioners lack the skill necessary to diagnose and treat workplace injuries, while others simply refuse to complete workers’ compensation paperwork.

The doctor you choose for your on-the-job injury may affect your chances of receiving fair compensation. Ultimately, if you have concerns about whether your regular physician is a good fit, you may want to discuss your treatment options with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.