WHAT ARE THE COMMON PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED WHEN CHOOSING A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN?
The following are common problems that employers experience in following a worker s compensation claim to conclusion. 1) PROBLEM: LACK OF MEDICAL STATUS FROM THE DOCTOR. Employees are sent to the doctors, but the employer does not receive status reports. SOLUTION: Most claim departments and/or doctors offices have preprinted ” medical status reports” that include a copy for the employer. The employer/claims administrator should have prearranged agreements that patients without employer provided ” medical status reports” should not be treated as industrial patient. It should be agreed that the employer s copy of the status report should be faxed to the employer. 2) PROBLEM: DOCTORS DON T RETURN PHONE CALLS. Claimants are sent to an employer selected doctor but the employer or claims adjuster does not receive any type of medical opinion or Disability status from the doctor. SOLUTION: When selecting the employer-designated physician, agree in advance on the reporting requirements. The req