Worker's Comp Legal Question

[jluv]

I'm not injured, nor do I ever expect to be injured at work. This is just a question.

Can a company force you into a Worker's Comp Network?

I just got an email saying that if we have a work injury, and we don't see one of the docs in this network, they aren't paying for shit.

Is that legal?

[The King]

That's the way it was for someone I worked with who filed for worker's comp a couple of years ago.

[90MarkVII]

If you get injured on the job and do not see a Dr. that accepts WC you will have made your case incredibly complicated. And possibly relieved the company/WC carrier of responsibility. At the least you will have put yourself in the position of needing a rep from the Dept. of Insurance, probably leading to filing a complaint directly with the Texas Atty. Gen.

This does not mean you HAVE to see one of your company's insurance whore Dr.'s, but you do need to see a Dr. in the WC network.

[jluv]

If you get injured on the job and do not see a Dr. that accepts WC you will have made your case incredibly complicated. And possibly relieved the company/WC carrier of responsibility. At the least you will have put yourself in the position of needing a rep from the Dept. of Insurance, probably leading to filing a complaint directly with the Texas Atty. Gen.

This does not mean you HAVE to see one of your company's insurance whore Dr.'s, but you do need to see a Dr. in the WC network.

I can understand seeing a doc who deals with Worker's Comp, but I didn't realize a company could give you a list of docs and tell you that you can only see someone on that list or they won't pay anything. Just seems shady.

[Shorty]

I deal with this shit for a living so take that into consideration when all the "experts" come in here.

In a word, Yes. If your employer enrolls their employees in a Health Care Network (HCN) you are required to treat with a network provider. They are required to supply employees with certain info regarding the HCN and then have you sign a form. Even if you don't want to enroll, as long as they provide the information you are enrolled.

[bcoop]

I can understand seeing a doc who deals with Worker's Comp, but I didn't realize a company could give you a list of docs and tell you that you can only see someone on that list or they won't pay anything. Just seems shady.

That's the exact same way insurance works. Shady? Perhaps. But it's perfectly legal as far as I know. For instance, I go see a Dr outside of my network, my insurance won't pay. I can't think of a reason why WC would be any different.

[jluv]

I deal with this shit for a living so take that into consideration when all the "experts" come in here.

In a word, Yes. If your employer enrolls their employees in a Health Care Network (HCN) you are required to treat with a network provider. They are required to supply employees with certain info regarding the HCN and then have you sign a form. Even if you don't want to enroll, as long as they provide the information you are enrolled.

That is exactly what is going on. Guess I'll just sign it and go on my way.

[halo/horns]

I can understand seeing a doc who deals with Worker's Comp, but I didn't realize a company could give you a list of docs and tell you that you can only see someone on that list or they won't pay anything. Just seems shady.

Signing an ‘in-network’ agreement is a condition of employment here. It isn’t like a list of ‘friendly’ doctors though. They are just like your regular medical and work on contracts with certain facilities…

Trust me when I say ‘their’ Dr’s are not on the employer’s side because of being ‘in-network’

[yellowstang]

Sign it John Doe!

[Racewerx]

I'm not injured, nor do I ever expect to be injured at work. This is just a question.

Can a company force you into a Worker's Comp Network?

I just got an email saying that if we have a work injury, and we don't see one of the docs in this network, they aren't paying for shit.

Is that legal?

Yes! If you are injured on the job you are required to see a physician of the company's choosing in order to receive benefits. Now you can see your own doctor if you wish (at your cost) and still have benefits paid. The company doctor reports to the insurance co to ensure benefits guidelines.