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Who Chooses My Doctor After A Work Injury In Iowa?

Before you rush to see your own doctor - or any doctor - after a work-related accident, you should know that in Iowa only visits to certain doctors at certain times may be covered by your workers' compensation benefits.

In many states, workers who have been injured while on the job have the right to choose their own doctor and their own medical care. Unfortunately, Iowa is an exception to this rule. According to current Iowa workers' compensation laws, your employer or your employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier generally has the power to choose the doctor you see after a work accident. While you may technically still see your doctor regarding your injury, be aware that your visit may not be covered by either your Iowa workers' compensation benefits or your health insurance benefits.

Therefore, after an on-the-job injury, speak with your employer about receiving approved medical care as soon as possible after your accident.

If you feel that your employer's medical care is not sufficient, inform your employer and your employer's workers' comp insurance carrier immediately. You may be unhappy with your assigned doctor or medical office for the following reasons:

• The care that you receive is not appropriate.
• Your doctor is not reasonably suited to treat your injury.
• The care that you receive is not sufficient.
• You feel that you have not been properly diagnosed or treated.

In the above cases, injured workers in Iowa can discuss alternative medical care options with their employers. Failing this, injured workers can petition to see another doctor by filing an Alternate Care Application with the Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner.

Iowa workers' compensation law can be complex and confusing - and it can be difficult to know if you are getting the best care and the full benefits that you deserve. If you have been injured in a work accident and are unsure whether or not you are receiving the proper medical care as provided by your employer, you may wish to consult with an Iowa workers' compensation attorney. In addition, if you have any questions regarding your worker injury case and medical care, having an IA workers' comp lawyer may be helpful in securing your rightful benefits, getting the medical care you need, and getting the support you are legally entitled to.

With offices located in Keokuk, Iowa, and Burlington, Iowa, Nicholas Pothitakis provides workers across the state with legal representation after on-the-job accidents. Call the Pothitakis Law Firm today at (888) 472-1778 or fill out the contact form on this page to schedule a free meeting with a workers' compensation attorney.




Workers' compensation attorney and personal injury lawyer Nicholas Pothitakis has law offices in Burlington and Keokuk, Iowa, and serves clients throughout the southeast region of the state, including the following cities and counties:

Cities: Burlington, Keokuk, Fort Madison, Muscatine, Mt. Pleasant, Mediapolis, Wapello, Ottumwa, Fairfield, and Davenport.

Counties: Des Moines, Lee, Louisa, Henry, Van Buren, Jefferson, Washington, and Muscatine.