In Wisconsin you do not have to see company doctor. Injured employees under Wisconsin workers compensation law, Wis. Stats. Sec 102.42, have the freedom to choose the doctor they want to see. Generally, any doctor licensed in Wisconsin can be selected by the injured worker. Out of state doctors can be used if referred to by your Wisconsin doctor or if the employer agrees you can treat with the out of state doctor. Under worker’s comp law, the injured employee is limited to two doctor choices. However, any doctor that one of your first two choices refers you to is included in that choice. So as long as the employee stays within his referral circle it should be covered. Also, if the injured worker goes to a doctor but does not ask the worker’s compensation carrier or employer to pay for that doctor, it is not one of his two choices.
After an injury at work, many injured workers are steered to occupational medicine clinics by their employer. The worker is often under two misunderstandings: 1) he does not have to go where the employer directs him – he is free to go to any Wisconsin doctor; and 2) believing that this is the “company doctor” he thinks he still has his two choices open. If worker has any questions about treatment he should ask an experienced worker’s compensation attorney.
To be covered, the medical treatment must be reasonable and necessary to cure and relieve from the effects of the work-related injury or condition. If the medical treatment is related to the on the job traumatic injury or to a condition caused by job duties over time, the worker can see a medical or osteopathic doctor, chiropractor, dentist, psychologist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical or occupational therapist, and other health care professionals under the direction and referral of the doctor.
Treatment after the end of healing should be covered as long as its to prevent further deterioration in the condition of the employee or to maintain the existing status of the condition.
For most injuries, the time period for which the worker’s comp has to cover medical bills is 12 years from the date of injury or the date indemnity benefits were last paid. If a case settles, if often does be closing out future medical bills.
Mileage expense is payable for travel to and from work-related doctor visits. Accidents occurring during travel to a doctor’s appointment may be part of the worker’s compensation claim.
At McCormick Law Office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin we help injured worker’s get the medical treatment they need for work-related injuries, primarily low back, neck and head injuries, including the psychological related issues.
