Also, do not assume that your doctor is either listening to you or understands what you are telling him or her. It is okay to ask your medical provider to include certain information in their medical chart notes. It is also okay to ask for a copy of your medical records. If you feel that your medical provider has misunderstood, has included something in your medical records that is inaccurate or has left out important information as it pertains to your ongoing symptoms or conditions please bring this to their attention immediately.
If you feel your doctor is not listening to you or their interests may be aligned in another direction, it might be time to discuss switching doctors with your attorney. You are entitled to switch doctors at least two times. Getting good medical care can make all the difference in getting better and being able to return to better function and normal work activities. Having a good fit with your medical provider will be key to you getting better and the overall success of your workers’ compensation or motor vehicle injury claim.
When a person is not feeling good, has been in a serious accident, is in significant pain, good, polite communication can be difficult. If you are having trouble communicating, it is often a good idea to bring another family member with you to your appointment. They should be able to assist with this and to make sure that your doctor is not only writing in your chart what you are telling him OR her, but understands the true nature of your ongoing symptoms or conditions.
Never let a representative of the insurance company attend a medical appointment with you without first speaking to your attorney. Remember this representative is usually a nurse-case manager that is hired by the insurance company to represent their interests, not yours! The main objective for this nurse-case manager is to limit the exposure to the insurance company and get an injured worker returned to work, often before they are medically ready to do so.
In summary, see your doctor every thirty days when hurt-on-the job. Pick a doctor that will listen to you and will make entries into your chart that are not only concise but accurate. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to include certain information in your chart or to ask for a copy of your medical records, so you can review for accuracy. And finally, don’t be afraid to switch doctors if necessary. Talk to your attorney right away if you feel this might need to happen.
