When you are injured at work in Iowa, it is unlikely your employer will permit you to choose which doctor you see. The Iowa Workers’ Compensation system limits workers’ choice of medical care to treat occupational injuries. In fact, with few exceptions your employer generally has the right to select and direct your medical care provided they do so promptly and without undue inconvenience. Most of our Iowa clients would prefer to select their own doctor. They would feel more comfortable visiting with their family doctor and obtaining a referral to a specialist, if necessary, or obtaining a referral to a medical provider from someone who they know and trust.
There are a few remedies and options available to injured workers in Iowa who are dissatisfied with the medical provider chosen by their employer. For example, if you feel that the doctor is not providing medical care reasonably suited to treat your injuries you have the right to request a hearing with the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner to obtain alternate medical care. A second exception to the general rule permitting the employer or workers’ compensation insurance company to choose your medical care occurs when a has been denied. In that instance, you are free to select your own medical provider. A third exception arises with respect to emergency medical care in which case the injured worker would be allowed to obtain his/her own medical care. Lastly, you may also have the right to secure your own doctor if the medical provider chosen by the employer abandons medical care, or otherwise concludes that he/she has nothing else to offer by way of medical treatment. However, it will be important to demonstrate that the medical treatment obtained improved the condition or was beneficial.
It is possible to find out whether a physician is in good standing with the Iowa medical licensing agency. The Web site Administrators In Medicine can provide information about charges or disciplinary sanctions against physicians through the Iowa Board of Medicine in Des Moines.
When dealing with this process, it can be very helpful to have an attorney to offer guidance, especially a firm with experience in handling Iowa workers’ compensation cases. Please contact us at 1-800-535-4542 if you would like to visit with one of our attorneys.
For more information, see:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services
Iowa Law, Picking a Doctor – Steve Lombardi
