Sunday, May 4, 2008

Do you really have to see the company doctor? Exploding the Myth of the 90 Day Rule

Here is an excellent article by Attorney Dan Siegel regarding whether an injured employee really has to treat with the company doctor.

I often tell my clients that it is not necessary and they can treat with whomever they want. Seriously, wouldn't you be more comfortable treating with your family physician or receiving a referral to a specialist from your family physician? 9 out of 10 times the employer's doctor has the employer's best interest in mind instead of the patient.

As Dan's article explains, in order for the "90 Day Rule" to apply, employers and insurance carriers must jump through so many hoops that a vast majority always get it wrong. It's an extremely rare case that everything was done correctly that would require the injured worker to treat with the company doctor. I see it on a daily basis.

So, the next time your human resources rep tells you who you HAVE to treat with, show them a copy of this article and watch them spit and sputter. Then call me...or Dan. We'll set them straight.

Dan is an attorney in the Philly area. Check out his other websites if you get a chance.

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