If you get hurt in a Connecticut workplace, you want to be sure that you receive the best treatment possible. Receiving workers’ compensation coverage should ensure your medical costs will not be a problem. You may wonder, however, if you can still receive benefits if you want a doctor outside of the state to treat you.
There are a variety of reasons you might pick someone who does not live in Connecticut to be your treating doctor. However, the state may not cover your medical bills if you go to an out-of-state physician. It is possible to receive coverage, but there are steps you must take in order to do so.
Initial steps for care
To secure workers’ comp benefits following an injury, you will need to see approved physicians first. Your initial treatment following your injury should be from a health care provider designated by your employer. If your employer participates in a medical care plan approved by the Chairman’s Office, you must pick a doctor from a list provided by that plan.
In the event your employer is not part of an approved plan, you may pick any doctor that has a license to practice in Connecticut. This can give you leeway to choose the physician you want to treat you, even a specialist like a chiropractor. It is possible to seek treatment from a doctor licensed in another state, but there are a few ways you must go about it.
Picking an out of state doctor
According to the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission, you may approach your employer or the employer’s insurer for permission to receive care from an out-of-state physician. As an alternative, you may ask the Workers’ Compensation Commissioner for permission to have treatment from a doctor outside of the state.
Keep in mind that you may seek permission from these parties, but there is no guarantee that you will receive it. If you do, you should not have to worry about losing workers’ comp coverage. These options should help you seek the care that can best help you.
