Can You Choose Your Own Doctor In A Maryland Workers’ Compensation Case?

After a work injury, choosing the right doctor can make or break your recovery. You want someone who listens, understands your condition, and focuses on getting you healthy, not just back to work fast. When your medical care is tied to a workers’ compensation claim, who gets to decide?

In Maryland, injured workers do have the right to select their own doctor, but there are strict rules to follow. Our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney shares what you need to know to protect both your health and your benefits.

How Choosing a Doctor Works Under Maryland Workers’ Compensation

Benefits available through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation (WCC) help cover medical care and lost earnings after work-related accidents. As in other states, these benefits are administered through insurers.

Unlike some states, Maryland law gives you greater freedom in choosing providers after a job-related injury. You are not required to see the doctor that your employer or their insurance company suggests. However, key factors you need to be aware of when selecting a treating provider in Maryland workers’ comp claims:

• You can choose your own doctor as long as they are licensed and authorized to provide treatment.
• Your doctor must document that your injury is work-related and file reports with the WCC.
• Insurers can request an independent medical exam (IME), but you’re not obligated to change providers based on it.
• You can switch doctors, but it’s best to do so carefully and with notice to avoid claim delays.
• Treatment must be reasonable and necessary, meaning it must directly relate to your work injury.

The right to choose your own provider can make a major difference in your claim, as employer-referred doctors often minimize injuries or push for early return-to-work dates that can worsen your condition.

Get The Medical Care You Need in a Maryland Workers’ Comp Claim

Your health is too important to leave in the hands of an insurer. When on-the-job injuries in Maryland happen, taking the following steps protects your rights and helps in getting the care you need:

• Avoid downplaying injuries and get immediate medical care when on-the-job injuries happen.
• While your employer may have a list of preferred providers, get medical care from someone you trust, preferably from someone with experience in workplace injuries.
• Keep copies of your medical reports and treatment plans.
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all appointments.
• Consult an experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney before changing doctors or authorizing additional exams.

Having your own doctor ensures you receive care that reflects your actual needs, not what your employer’s insurance company wants to hear.

Contact Our Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today To Request a Consultation

If you suffer work-related injuries in Maryland and your employer is pressuring you to see their doctor or denying recommended treatment, contact Berman Sobin Gross LLP. Our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney helps injured workers get needed medical care and protects them against intimidation from employers or insurers. Schedule a consultation today.

Sources:

wcc.state.md.us/

wcc.state.md.us/Gen_Info/WCC_Benefits.html

labor.maryland.gov/labor/mosh/moshworkersrights.shtml