If you are seeking workers’ compensation benefits in California because you’ve been injured on the job, understanding a little about medical providers is important to your recovery. The more you know about the professionals who treat you, the more comfortable you will be with the recovery process. In southern California, an experienced Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney may be able to help you locate the physician who is right for you.
Choosing a physician is a personal matter, but before seeing the physician of your choice, you may need to obtain prior authorization. A good workers’ comp lawyer can help you with the details. Before deciding on a doctor, know what type of doctor to choose. Most doctors restrict their practice to one or two areas. This a general outline of some of the physicians who treat workers’ compensation applicants:
- Family or general practice physician: The doctor on the front lines who treats initial injuries and symptoms; usually then refers you to specialists.
- Orthopedic physician: Treats injuries to the bones and joints; some specialize in backs, necks, knees, hands, shoulders, and surgery to these areas.
- Neurologist: Treats injuries to nerves and diseases affecting nerves; neurologists do not perform surgery.
- Neurosurgeon: Treats injuries to the brain, head, neck, back, and neurological issues related to these areas; neurosurgeons may perform surgery.
- Ophthalmologist: Treats eye injuries and related issues regarding vision.
- Cardiologist: Treats and diagnoses heart problems.
- Chiropractor: Treats and diagnoses spinal and soft-tissue injuries of a nonsurgical nature.
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Treats problems with rehabilitation.
- Pain Management Specialist: Treats chronic pain with medicine and surgery.
- Psychiatrist: Treats mental injuries and related problems.
- Psychologist: Treats mental and behavioral problems; trained in counseling.
When you’re hurting, workers’ compensation can make the future a bit more hopeful. If you’ve suffered any work-related injury or illness at a job in southern California, speak at once with an experienced Los Angeles worker’s compensation attorney. A good workers’ comp lawyer will help you through the process and fight diligently for every cent of the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to speak as quickly as possible to an experienced Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney if you are injured at the workplace now or at any time in the future.
