Who Gets to Pick Your Doctor in Ohio Worker’s Compensation (Hint: It’s You!)

At the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, we know one of the most common questions injured workers in Ohio ask or often don’t but should,  is “Do I have to see the company doctor?”

The short answer: Nope. Absolutely not.

Longer Answer - In Ohio Workers’ Compensation cases, you have the right to choose your own doctor for treatment. Your employer may “suggest” you see their chosen physician, but they can’t force you to anything but a one time exam and drug test. 

But going to the doctor the employer is suggesting can be hazardous to your health and well-being.  No these doctors aren’t Dr. Nick Riviera (the Simpsons) or Dr. Harold Zoidberg (Futurama) Dr. Leo Spaceman (30 Rock), as in not good doctors.  Nor are they Evil aka Dr. Evil from the Austin Powers movies.  

In fact one of our local occupational health facilities is staffed by a former family doctor of mine.  The issue is that any clinic with a name like Occupational This, or Works that is primarily concerned with the costs to your employer. And the first time your tests show the slightest hint of arthritis (and if your age starts with a 2 or above it will) they throw you under the bus. 

Instead I want you to have any fictional doctor to handle your workplace injury, we’d go with Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch from The Pitt. Portrayed by Noah Wyle, this ER attending is the human embodiment of compassion-under-pressure.  Or hey if we want to go crazy with fictional doctors how about Dr. Leonard McCoy (Star Trek), Dr. Derek Shepherd (Grey’s Anatomy) Dr. John Watson (Sherlock Holmes).  

But let’s stick to the real doctors.  Here’s what you need to know:

1.  Your treating doctor must be certified by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC)—but that list is large, and plenty of great providers are on it. Go on the BWC website’s front page, you can search by lots of different terms (confirm it, even if they say they are before going)

2.  Once you’ve chosen your doctor, they’ll guide your treatment, file necessary paperwork, and advocate for what care you actually need.  Don’t let a Managed Care Organization (MCO) or Third Party Administrator (TPA) run your care, you can appeal their denials and we win a huge percentage of those fights.  

3. If you’re not happy with your doctor, you can even switch to another BWC-certified provider.  Just know it gets harder and harder to find such doctors the older your claim and if you have had multiple surgeries. 

Your health, your recovery, your doctor. It really is that simple.

If you’re feeling pressured to see the “company doctor” or aren’t sure if your current provider is the right fit, we’re here to help. 

At the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, we’ve guided thousands of Ohio workers through the system and made sure they got the care they deserve. So say good bye to Dr. Nick.  

 Have questions about choosing a doctor after a workplace injury? Contact us today at [www.kmylaw.com](http://www.kmylaw.com).