Legal Question in Workers Comp in Illinois

Re: Employer terminated relationship with physician

Question:

I was employed by a large medical center in Chicago, being treated by a physician employed there for a work related injury. When the Workers Comp paperwork was filed, my employer severed my relationship with my doctor. They would not allow him to continue as my treating physician and would not allow him to make a referral. Where would I find the rules that govern exceptions to the ''2 physician'' rule? (I was in an HMO at the time -- the primary care physician was counted as the first treating doctor.)

ANSWER:

This is an easy concept that is difficult to quickly explain so it is often best to call a lawyer for a consultation.

From your question, I cannot see how you have exhausted your two chains of referral.

The rule is not "2 doctors" - the rule is two chains of referrals of doctors.

You can go back to your primary care doctor and ask him to refer you to whatever kind of specialist you require - or he/she can continue to treat you.

Please provide me with some more details and I will be happy to try and help.

Good Luck,

Matt Belcher

Re: Employer terminated relationship with physician

You need to speak with an attorney so as to get the details. Generally, you can be referred by your doctor to any specialist or your doctor has the right to continue your needed treatment. From what you say, it appears that your employer has no right to do what they have done...

But, as they say, the Devil is in details... I will need to look at your entire file in order to find out if your employer is over stepping tis boundries.

I hope this helps,

Taradji Law Offices

Re: Employer terminated relationship with physician

Your employer has no ability to control who you treat with. Hire an attorney to protect your rights.