questions & answers

Question: I am on Arizona Workers' Compensation my surgeon has released me to a pain management doctor. My back has not improved and I have chronic pain half of the day an the other half I am asleep for the medication. I don't want to live this way I want my back injury fixed, what are my options can I ask for another surgeon.

Answer: In Arizona, the worker must go to the employer's choice of physician for the first visit. If the employer is self-insured, the employee may be required to go to that physician for all care related to the injury. However, if that is not the case, there are three ways in which a doctor can be changed: 1. If the attending physician refers the patient to another doctor 2. The insurance carrier approves a change of doctors 3. The worker can appeal to the ICA (Industrial Commission of Arizona) for a change of physician. For more information visit the Industrial Commissions of Arizona website.