Second Opinion

Most employers have a panel of physicians created by the employer/insurer and you choose a treating physician from the panel for initial treatments. Many of these doctors are on many panels for the insurer and are not on the side of the injured worker. Under Georgia Workers Compensation Law you are not necessarily stuck with the opinion of the panel doctor hired by the insurance company. If the doctor does one of the following you should seek a second opinion:

1. The doctor may may say you can return to work, but you are unable to perform the job duties under his set restrictions;
2. The doctor does not listen to your symptoms fully and therefore does not prescribe the effective treatment;
3. The doctor does not have the qualifications to fully treat your injury and refers you to a specialist for a second opinion.

To get a second opinion you have two options:

1. You are entitled to a one time second opinion from a doctor of your choice for an Independent Medical Examination (IME).
2. You also have a one time right to change doctors from the panel of physicians.