Do I have to see the Railroad Company Doctor?
Additional Information
On-Duty Railroad Injury: What To Do First
Do I Have to Give a Statement to Railroad Claims?
Seven Steps To Do After An On-Duty Railroad Injury
Do I Have to See the Railroad Company Doctor?
Avoiding Personal Injury Report Pitfalls
Paying Medical Bills After an On-Duty Railroad Injury
How Long Do I Have to Claim an On-Duty Railroad Injury?
Am I Covered Under State Workers Comp?
Hiring a Railroad Attorney
You Don’t Need To See A Doctor Recommended By The Railroad. You Can See Whatever Doctor You Choose.
That is your right to choose your doctor under the injury and whistleblower laws. If the claims agent or your supervisor tells you that you have to see someone they recommend, please know that that is entirely false.
Seeing a company-chosen doctor can be one of the worst decisions you make regarding your claim. The reason is simple: to determine how badly injured you are, it takes running tests; a doctor that wants more business from a large railroad company will not want to run the bill up on that railroad company, and the supervisor may be reluctant to recommend expensive tests for you. It’s easier for him to delay you and ‘wait and watch in the hopes you may get better than actively run expensive tests to ensure you know the full extent of your injuries.
Do I have to get “approval” for my medical treatments? No, you do not need the approval to go to a doctor of your choice.
The railroads prey on medical providers used to dealing with nurse case managers who work on claims for individuals covered under workers’ compensation. Under the FELA, the railroad does not have a right to talk to your treating doctor, access your medical records, or be in the room when your doctor examines you. The railroad processes your medical bills, but these bills are processed under your group’s health insurance policy. Do not allow the railroad to talk to your doctors because they “pay the bills.” You do not waive your doctor/patient privilege as a railroad worker. This privilege is protected under the FELA and the whistleblower statute.