If you're filing a workers' comp claim in New York, picking the right doctor is a big deal. The wrong choice could mess up your claim—or worse, cost you your benefits. Let's break down what to look for in a good workers’ comp doctor and walk you through how to find one.
If you get hurt on the job, the first thing you need to do is get medical help right away. In an emergency, you don’t get to pick your doctor—you’ll be taken to the closest hospital and treated by whoever’s on duty. Don’t worry, though—your employer’s workers’ comp insurance will cover the costs.
Once you’re out of the woods and on the mend, New York State law lets you pick your own doctor—as long as they’re approved by the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (also known as being “coded”). If you want to stick with your primary care doctor, give them a call to see if they’re coded to handle workers’ comp cases. You’ll also want to make sure they have solid experience with these claims because even a small mistake could reduce your benefits or make you lose them completely.
If you don’t have a go-to doctor, no worries—you can search the Workers’ Compensation Board’s online database of approved healthcare providers. It lets you find general doctors as well as specialists like cardiologists, orthopedists, and physical therapists. You can also filter by location to find someone nearby. Just keep in mind that some doctors listed may no longer take workers’ comp cases, but don’t get discouraged—just move on to the next one on the list.
A lot of people think that workers’ comp doctors aren’t good doctors, but that’s just not true. There are plenty of excellent doctors in New York State who are coded to treat injured workers. I’ve personally been treated by workers’ comp doctors and have even sent family and friends to them.
If you have a lawyer, they can probably recommend top-notch doctors who know the ins and outs of workers’ comp and will take great care of you. And if you’re not happy with the care you’re getting, you can switch doctors anytime. Feeling comfortable with your doctor is super important—it can make a big difference in your recovery.
So, how do you find the right doctor for you? First off, you need to feel comfortable with them—having a doctor you trust makes a big difference in your recovery.
Your doctor should also get how certain jobs lead to certain injuries. This is key because one of the main ways insurance companies try to deny claims is by saying your injury didn’t happen at work. A good doctor knows how to document everything properly to shut that argument down early.
Another thing to look for is urgency—your doctor should be able to see you quickly and have plenty of experience with workers’ comp cases. They need to know the right forms to fill out to prove your injury is work-related, keep your benefits going, and maximize any final payout if you have a permanent disability.
If you’re out of work, your doctor also has to back that up with regular reports to the court. Each report only covers 90 days of lost time, so you need to see your doctor at least every three months to keep your benefits coming. Since workers’ comp involves a lot of paperwork, a doctor who isn’t familiar with the process might drop the ball—and if that happens, you could lose your benefits for good.
New York State gives you plenty of freedom when it comes to picking your doctor, but when it comes to covering treatments, the rules are a lot tighter. Insurance companies tend to play it safe—meaning they often interpret the state’s guidelines in a way that saves them money. That’s why it’s so important to have a doctor who knows how to navigate the system and a lawyer who can help fight for the treatment you need.
If you or a loved one have been injured on the job in New York and would like to set up a free consultation, give me, Rex Zachofsky, a call at 212-406-8989 today. Together, we can ensure you receive the treatment you need and the benefits you deserve.
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