Accidents at work can happen in the blink of an eye, but the journey to recovery can be a long road paved with questions and uncertainty. If you have been injured on the job, Florida workers’ compensation law dictates that a doctor predetermined by your employer must treat you. However, you might be allowed to be cared for by your doctor if certain conditions are met.
Understanding Florida’s workers’ compensation laws can ensure you get the injury care and coverage you deserve. Read on to learn more about laws governing work injury treatment, the medical coverage you are entitled to, and how to navigate concerns and disputes about care.
Florida’s workers’ compensation laws are designed with employees’ welfare in mind — employers must provide insurance coverage for workplace injury treatment. Unlike seeing a doctor for non-work-related injuries, the employer or their insurance carrier designates workers’ comp doctors.
You must see the workers’ comp doctor instead of your personal doctor to get coverage, though some exceptions may apply. For example, workers’ comp cannot force you to see their doctor if:
Either way, seeking workplace injury treatment from an approved medical professional will save you from paying expensive medical bills out of your own pocket. It will also prevent your claim from being denied, ensuring that you are entitled to benefits, your medical care is covered, and you receive replacement wages while out of work.
Be sure to review your employer’s workers’ comp insurance representation for physician information to ensure you get work injury treatment and coverage.
Workers’ compensation benefits cover 100% of medical expenses for work-related injuries or illnesses. This includes coverage for the costs of your treatment, therapy and medication. The insurer must also pay you two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
Under Florida law, medical coverage for workplace injuries typically includes:
However, the scope of coverage may vary, and it’s essential to follow the proper steps to ensure your treatment is covered. For example, elective procedures and treatments not deemed medically necessary may not be covered.
Immediately after sustaining a work injury, report the incident to your employer. They will guide you through seeing an approved health care provider so you get proper treatment and coverage. You may be responsible for the costs if you opt for a personal doctor outside of the network.
When an injury occurs at work, seek immediate attention for injury treatment. When discussing your injury with the doctor, describe all of your symptoms in their entirety, even those that seemed minor or fleeting. What could seem insignificant now might develop into a severe issue weeks or months later. Be sure to share how severe your pain is and how the injury restricts your ability to perform different tasks.
Going to the ER for a work-related injury is appropriate and covered in an emergency. In non-emergencies, you must see a workers’ comp doctor selected by your employer’s insurance.
After the initial treatment, the workers’ compensation doctor will coordinate ongoing care and refer you to specialists if necessary. Under workers’ compensation, your primary care provider will oversee your recovery process and coordinate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive workplace injury treatment. Each specialist physician must also be authorized by your employer’s insurance carrier before treatment begins.
At times, an independent medical examination (IME) may be necessary to resolve disputes about the nature of your injury or the required treatment. An IME is conducted by a doctor who has not previously been involved in your care to provide an unbiased opinion about your medical condition. These exams can be requested by you, a judge of compensation claims or the Department of Financial Services.
Florida law does provide strategies to help you resolve concerns and disputes about your workplace injury treatment. For instance, if you are dissatisfied with your first doctor, you may be entitled to request a one-time physician change — under certain conditions, you might be allowed to choose the doctor yourself. Additionally, if workers’ comp tries to force you to see their doctor and you feel it’s not in your best interest, you can seek legal counsel to discuss your options.
It’s a good idea to seek treatment as soon as possible after a workplace accident. A quick exam can make it easier to treat your condition and promote a speedy recovery. It also makes it harder for the insurance provider to claim that your medical condition was caused by something outside of work. Document your injuries comprehensively, communicate openly with your employer and insurer and know your rights under workers’ compensation laws.
Complete Care is more than just a clinic — it’s a place where empathy meets expertise. We offer comprehensive care for those recovering from work injuries, ensuring each patient feels heard, supported and hopeful. Our key values are embedded in every interaction, fostering a nurturing and trusting environment.
We are a multi-specialty clinic and the largest injury care provider in Florida, offering 30+ clinics for your convenience. In addition to helping people recover from their injuries, we provide a range of musculoskeletal care, including therapy, international pain management, chiropractic care, spine, neurology, orthopedic surgery and imaging. Read through our patient testimonials to see the difference our services can make in your life.
Navigating the path to recovery after a work injury can be complex. With the proper support and understanding of Florida’s workers’ compensation laws, you can focus on what’s most important — your health and well-being. At Complete Care, we stand by your side every step of the way, offering the care that makes all the difference. Timely and empathetic treatment is essential when a workplace injury occurs, and we can guide you toward recovery through practical and comprehensive injury care services.
We provide injury evaluation, X-rays and MRI’s, neurological testing, chiropractic care, medical bracing, spine & orthopedics and rehabilitation. Request an appointment or find a location near you today. We look forward to assisting you and facilitating your recovery!
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