There are many high-risk industries in Florida, ranging from customer service jobs where the risk of violence is high to nursing homes and medical work that puts people at risk of overexertion and back injuries.
Whether you get hurt in a catastrophic workplace incident or develop a work-related medical condition like a hernia from repeated lifting, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. The available benefits include disability pay to replace a portion of your paycheck and full medical coverage.
Unlike your health insurance, workers’ compensation will pay 100% of your approved care costs until you fully recover or at least reach maximum medical improvement for your condition. How well you recover will depend on the care you receive. Who chooses the healthcare provider if you need treatment through workers’ compensation?
The insurance company gets to pick in Florida
Every state has unique workers’ compensation rules regarding selecting medical professionals to provide covered care. In Florida, the insurance company determines which physician oversees your care in most cases. Exceptions include if your employer participates in a managed care plan or if you have to appeal to get benefits or require emergency care before claim approval.
In particular, it will be the claim adjuster handling your case who determines which doctor you see. Sometimes, possibly due to a conflict of personality or philosophy, the doctor suggested isn’t the best choice for your circumstances. Florida workers’ compensation claimants can request a change of physician once per claim, but the adjuster will get to choose the replacement doctor, just like they chose the initial position.
Learning the rules that govern workers’ compensation claims will lead to an easier claim process if you get hurt at work.