After a workplace injury, getting the right medical care is one of your most pressing concerns. In Arkansas, your employer has the right to select your initial treating physician. Unless you need emergency treatment, you generally cannot walk into your own doctor’s office and expect workers’ compensation to cover the visit.
If your employer has contracted with a certified managed care organization, your treatment will be directed through that network, and your options for choosing your own provider will be limited from the start.
Can you request a different doctor?
Yes, but only once. Arkansas law allows you to petition the Workers’ Compensation Commission for a one-time change of physician. Your new doctor must be associated with a certified managed care entity or be your regular treating physician with a documented history of treatment before your injury, provided they agree to refer you to the employer’s network for specialized care.
The change is not automatic or guaranteed. If you feel the employer’s chosen doctor is not providing adequate care, consulting an attorney before taking any steps can help protect your right to switch.
What happens if your employer does not provide a doctor?
If your employer fails to refer you to a medical provider within 48 hours of a written treatment request and denies your claim, you may have more flexibility to seek care on your own.
This only applies if your employer has not previously offered medical treatment, the Workers’ Compensation Commission determines your injury is compensable, and you made your request in writing before seeking care. Keeping documentation of your request and your employer’s response is critical.
Your choice of doctor matters for your claim
The treating physician plays a central role in your workers’ compensation case. Their medical opinions on your diagnosis, your ability to work and your level of permanent impairment can directly affect the benefits you receive. A doctor who minimizes your injuries or clears you to return to work before you are ready can significantly impact your claim.
If you are concerned about the medical care you are receiving after a work injury in Arkansas, speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your options and whether a physician change is worth pursuing.