After a workplace injury in Tennessee, many employees in Murfreesboro assume that they must stick with a “company doctor” selected by their employer. That belief often comes from receipt of a C-42 form, which lists a panel of preferred physicians the employer has chosen. While the Panel of Physicians disclosure is a mandate of the workers’ compensation system, it does not mean you are without options if your care feels rushed, dismissive or overly focused on returning you to work too quickly.
Under Tennessee law, if you’ve been injured or made ill as a result of work-related activity, your employer must provide a panel of at least three independent physicians for you to choose from after a reported injury. You have the right to select the doctor you feel most comfortable with from that list. Once you make that choice, that physician becomes your authorized treating doctor, and their opinions will carry significant weight in your claim, especially when it comes to work restrictions, treatment plans and permanent impairment ratings.
However, concerns sometimes arise after treatment begins. Some injured workers feel that their doctor is minimizing symptoms, delaying necessary testing or prioritizing the insurance company’s interests over patient recovery. When that happens, it is important to know that you are not automatically locked into a particular provider forever.
What can be done?
One option is to request a second opinion. In certain situations, especially when surgery is recommended or disputed, Tennessee law allows for an additional evaluation. Even outside of those circumstances, concerns about inadequate care can be raised with an employer, insurance carrier or the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Documenting your symptoms, missed diagnoses or communication issues can help to support a request for a change in physician.
Your authorized doctor’s opinions can also be challenged. If a physician releases you to return to work prematurely or assigns a low impairment rating that does not reflect your condition, those findings are not necessarily final. Independent medical evaluations and additional expert opinions may be used to provide a more accurate picture of your injury and recovery needs.
Navigating medical care after a work injury can be frustrating, especially when it feels like your recovery is not the priority of those tasked with providing your care. Understanding your rights within the Panel of Physicians system, including the ability to seek second opinions and challenge inadequate care, can make a meaningful difference in both your health and the outcome of your claim.