An injured worker in Louisiana is entitled to choose her own physician in every field or specialty. The choice of physician must be reasonable. For example, if you have a foot injury, you will not be approved for an evaluation with a dentist. The choice of physician is very important.
Once you make your choice, you will not be able to change physicians within the same field or specialty, without the insurance company’s authorization. For example, if your physician moves out of state, the insurance company would authorize a new choice. However, if you simply do not like what your physician is telling you, the insurance company will not authorize a new choice.
Conversely, your employer or insurance company is allowed its own choice of physician. This is referred to as a second medical opinion. Often, the second medical opinion doctor will address the findings and recommendations of your choice of physician. The injured worker is entitled to at least 14 days notice of the scheduling of a second medical opinion.
It is vitally important that you attend the second medical opinion evaluation. Failure to attend the appointment will likely result in the suspension of all benefits. If suspended, your benefits will not be reinstated until you comply with attending the second medical opinion evaluation.
