The answer to this question is a little trickier than it would have been about three months ago. That said, the answer is almost always yes—you can see your own doctor. You’re entitled to choose your doctor, go to the hospital or urgent care for your first visit, and then choose a specialist who can treat you for that specific injury.
Most doctors in New York State who treat injuries accept workers’ compensation. Whether it’s orthopedists, neurologists, chiropractors, or pain management doctors, most of them have opted into the system, and that’s very important. You must get the treatment you’re entitled to.
The only wrinkle I mentioned is that certain employers—this is very specific—may require you to see their doctors for the first 30 days. That’s usually negotiated through union contracts. It’s not common, although it’s becoming slightly more common due to the cost of healthcare.
You’re also entitled to a second opinion. If you see a doctor you’re not happy with, you can absolutely seek another opinion. Whether you’re being told you need surgery and want a different answer, or you simply don’t feel comfortable, you are not bound to one doctor.
You absolutely can—and should—get additional opinions. Especially in New York, close to the city, most doctors at major hospitals accept workers’ compensation. You should look for doctors you feel comfortable with. Obviously, we have doctors we work with who we believe do a good job handling workers’ compensation cases, and we go over those options with our clients.
This is definitely one of the benefits of workers’ compensation—you get a say in how your treatment goes.
