This is one of the official workers' compensation forms for the state of Georgia
Sandy Springs Georgia Change of Physician — Additional Treatment by Consent for Workers' Compensation: In Sandy Springs, Georgia, the workers' compensation system provides injured employees with the opportunity to change their treating physician or seek additional treatment through the process of obtaining consent. This change of physician option can be a valuable resource for individuals who may need different medical care or specialized expertise to ensure their recovery and rehabilitation. Workers' compensation laws in Georgia recognize that an injured worker should be entitled to receive appropriate and effective medical treatment. As part of these provisions, employees have the right to request a change of physician or seek additional treatment by obtaining the consent of the workers' compensation insurance carrier or their employer. There are several situations where an employee may consider pursuing a change of physician or additional treatment by consent. One common scenario is if the original treating physician's expertise does not align with the specific nature of the injury. For example, if an employee initially sought treatment from a general practitioner for a work-related back injury but later requires specialized care from a spine surgeon, a change of physician may be necessary. In other cases, an employee may feel that their progress has been stagnant, or they may not be satisfied with the treatment provided by the original physician. This dissatisfaction can be due to various factors such as ineffective treatment plans, unanswered questions, or lack of communication. By seeking a change of physician, the injured employee can find a healthcare professional who better understands their needs and facilitates a smoother recovery process. To initiate the change of physician process or seek additional treatment by consent, it is crucial for the injured worker to follow specific steps outlined by the workers' compensation system in Sandy Springs, Georgia. These steps often include: 1. Informing the original treating physician: The injured worker should inform their original treating physician about their intent to seek a change of physician or additional treatment. This communication ensures that the physician is aware of the employee's decision and can provide necessary medical records or documentation to support the process. 2. Obtaining consent from the workers' compensation insurance carrier or employer: The injured employee needs to request consent from the workers' compensation insurance carrier or employer to proceed with a change of physician or seek additional treatment. This typically requires submitting a formal request in writing, accompanied by relevant medical documentation to justify the need for the change or additional treatment. 3. Review and approval process: Once the request for change of physician or additional treatment is submitted, the workers' compensation insurance carrier or employer will review the request. This review may involve evaluating the medical records and seeking input from medical professionals or independent medical examiners to determine the appropriateness of the change or additional treatment. 4. Decision and notification: Upon completion of the review process, the workers' compensation insurance carrier or employer will make a decision regarding the change of physician or additional treatment request. If approved, the injured employee will be notified, and arrangements will be made for them to start receiving care from the new physician or undergo the additional treatment. If the request is denied, the insurance carrier or employer must provide a valid reason for the decision. It's important to note that there may be different types of Sandy Springs Georgia Change of Physician — Additional Treatment By Consent for Workers' Compensation, depending on the specific circumstances. However, the core principle remains the same: injured employees have the right to pursue a change of physician or seek additional treatment by obtaining consent, enabling them to receive the necessary care for their work-related injuries.
