Georgia Workplace Injury Doctors Panel

Georgia Workplace Injury Doctors Panel

Workplace injuries are an unfortunate reality for many employees. In Georgia, workers’ compensation laws provide a safety net for employees who suffer injuries on the job, ensuring they receive necessary medical treatment and financial compensation.

One crucial component of this system is the Georgia Workplace Injury Doctors Panel, which plays a significant role in the treatment and recovery of injured workers. This guide will delve into what the doctors panel is, how it operates, its benefits, and what employees should know to navigate this system effectively.

Understanding the Georgia Workplace Injury Doctors Panel

The Georgia Workplace Injury Doctors Panel, also known simply as the Panel of Physicians, is a list of medical professionals designated by an employer to provide medical care to employees who suffer work-related injuries.

According to Georgia law, every employer with three or more employees must establish and maintain a panel of at least six physicians, with the goal of offering accessible and quality medical care to injured workers.

Composition of the Panel

The panel must include:

1. At least six doctors or professional medical providers.
2. A minimum of one orthopedic surgeon.
3. No more than two industrial clinics.
4. A selection of physicians that provide an array of specialties to address various medical needs.

Employers are required to post this panel in a visible location at the workplace, ensuring that employees are aware of their options and can make informed decisions regarding their medical care.

How the Panel Operates

When an employee is injured on the job, they must choose a physician from the panel to receive their initial and ongoing medical treatment. Here’s a step-by-step outline of how the panel operates:

1. Reporting the Injury: The injured employee must report the injury to their employer as soon as possible. Prompt reporting is crucial for both medical and legal reasons.
2. Selecting a Physician: The employee selects a physician from the posted panel. This physician will oversee the employee’s medical treatment and recovery process.
3. Medical Treatment: The selected physician evaluates the injury, provides necessary treatment, and may refer the employee to specialists within the panel if needed. All treatments and procedures must be documented thoroughly.
4. Follow-Up and Recovery: The physician monitors the employee’s recovery, providing updates and recommendations for returning to work. If the employee is unsatisfied with the initial physician, they have the right to make a one-time change to another doctor on the panel without approval from the employer.
5. Returning to Work: Once the physician determines that the employee is fit to return to work, they will provide a release. The employee may return to their previous position or a modified role, depending on their physical capabilities.

Benefits of the Panel System

The Georgia Workplace Injury Doctors Panel offers several advantages for both employers and employees:

1. Access to Specialized Care: By including a variety of specialists, the panel ensures that employees receive comprehensive medical care tailored to their specific injuries.
2. Quality Control: The panel system helps maintain a standard of care, as the listed physicians are pre-approved and monitored for their performance and treatment outcomes.
3. Streamlined Process: The panel simplifies the process of obtaining medical care, reducing delays and confusion that might arise if employees had to find their own doctors.
4. Cost Control: For employers, the panel system can help manage workers’ compensation costs by directing employees to a network of physicians familiar with workplace injuries and efficient treatment protocols.

Rights and Responsibilities of Employees

Employees have specific rights and responsibilities under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act regarding the panel of physicians:

• Right to Choose: Employees have the right to choose any doctor from the panel and to change doctors once within the panel without needing employer approval.
• Obligation to Use the Panel: Except in emergency situations, employees must select a doctor from the panel for their treatment to be covered under workers’ compensation.
• Right to a Second Opinion: If the employee is dissatisfied with the treatment received, they may request a change to another physician on the panel for a second opinion.
• Right to Free Medical Treatment: All reasonable and necessary medical treatments related to the workplace injury are covered, including doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Navigating the panel system can sometimes present challenges. Here are common issues and potential solutions:

1. Lack of Awareness: Employees might not be aware of the panel or their rights under workers’ compensation laws. Employers should ensure the panel is visibly posted and provide training on workers’ compensation procedures.
2. Limited Panel Options: In some cases, the panel might not include enough specialists to cover certain types of injuries. Employees can address this by requesting a broader range of specialists be added to the panel.
3. Disputes Over Treatment: Conflicts can arise if an employee feels their injury is not being adequately addressed. In such cases, the employee should utilize their right to change doctors or seek a second opinion within the panel.
4. Emergency Situations: If an injury requires immediate medical attention, employees can seek emergency treatment outside the panel. However, follow-up care should transition to a panel physician once the emergency is under control.

The Employer’s Role

Employers have specific responsibilities to ensure the effective operation of the panel system:

• Establishing the Panel: Employers must create and maintain the panel, ensuring it includes a diverse range of medical providers.
• Posting the Panel: The panel must be posted in a visible and accessible location within the workplace.
• Informing Employees: Employers should educate employees about the panel, how to use it, and their rights under the workers’ compensation system.
• Supporting Recovery: Employers should work with panel physicians to facilitate the employee’s recovery and return to work, including offering modified duties if necessary.

GA Spine & Orthopaedics And The Workplace Injury Doctors Panel

The Georgia Workplace Injury Doctors Panel is a critical component of the state’s workers’ compensation system, designed to provide injured employees with timely and effective medical care.

By understanding how the panel operates, the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers, and the benefits of the system, all parties can work together to ensure the best possible outcomes for workplace injuries.

Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics is on the doctors panel for workplace injuries with the following companies;

• Ed Castro Landscape, INC
• CMP Corporations
• Wal-Mart Buford
• Chase Staffing
• Wal-Mart Cartersville
• JND, Inc
• Cook Out (Stockbridge)
• Globe Chemical Co
• Transdev Services
• Express Services, Inc.
• Starbucks
• JEOGARAG, LLC
• Express Employment Professional
• Superior Plus Energy
• EMC Trucking
• Birchwood Transport
• Legends Hospitality
• CMP Corporations
• Brookside Senior Living
• Angkor Resource Center
• Southern Grace Hospice
• Southern Power
• Georgia Power
• Pending Emp Name
• ESIS/OCM
• Sam’s Club #6976
• Southern Veterinary Partners
• Lowes
• Provence Real Estate
• Budget Car Rental Center
• Bethany Christian Services