If you get injured on the job in Georgia, you will likely make a workers’ compensation claim. This claim allows you to get payment for medical expenses and in some cases, lost wages. It is important to get the proper medical care and follow all the requirements or else your claim could be denied. You may want to quickly rush to your doctor and get care, but, according to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, you generally must see a doctor approved by your employer in order to have a valid workers’ compensation claim.
Workers’ compensation will only pay for medical care from approved providers. You must get authorized before seeing a doctor that is not approved by your employer. If you follow all protocols, your medical bills and other related medical expenses should be covered completely by the insurance program. Depending on your injury, you may qualify for coverage up to 400 weeks or get lifetime benefits.
Your employer must post information that tells you which medical providers are approved under their insurance plan. They can list the names of physicians or the Workers’ Compensation Managed Care Organization they are a part of. If your doctor provides a list of doctors, it must give at least six choices. If a WC/MCO is used, your employer needs to give you a list of the approved medical providers, along with a phone number to contact the WC/MCO. The WC/MCO can help you to make appointments. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
