MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF COMBINED LEGAL EXPERIENCE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Attorneys Of Bothwell Hammill & Sutton

What Doctor Should I See For Workers’ Comp In Washington?

You’re entitled to choose your own doctor as per the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and workers’ compensation law in Washington state.

Can I Go To My Own Doctor?

When you’ve suffered an injury at work or developed an illness because of your job, you need to see a doctor. Under workers’ compensation laws in Washington State, a doctor has to certify that your condition is work-related before you can receive benefits.

And these are benefits you need for a strong recovery – both physically and financially.

You might be worried about finding an approved doctor in the workers’ comp system run by the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

But you are entitled to choose your own doctor.

The attorneys at Bothwell Hamill & Sutton, PLLC, know the workers’ comp system and the doctors in Yakima, Kennewick, Sunnyside, Spokane, Richland, Ellensburg, Wenatchee, Walla Walla and all across Central Washington.

We can make sure you get quality treatment – covered by workers’ comp.

Let us go to work to get you benefits.

Your Initial And Continuing Care

The health care you receive after getting hurt on the job has two major phases:

  • When your injury first occurs: After your first injury, don’t spend time worrying about finding doctors. Go straight to the emergency room if needed. Visit your regular doctor if that’s the best option. Whoever it is, the doctor you see for your initial visit will help file your workers’ comp claim.
  • If you need medical care beyond that first visit: This is when you must use a provider in the L&I network. Many doctors are included, so you might be able to keep going to the same doctor.

L&I provides an online directory of approved providers that you can search. L&I even encourages you to ask your regular doctor to join the network if they haven’t yet done so.

At Bothwell Hamill & Sutton, PLLC, we don’t charge anything for you to talk to us about your case so we can figure out what’s best for you.

How To Work With Approved Doctors

L&I wants you to use what it calls an “attending provider” for your ongoing treatment.

Attending providers coordinate your care. They report progress to L&I. Your attending provider could be a specialist, dentist, advanced registered nurse practitioner or physicians’ assistant.

If you want to change providers, you can request a transfer from L&I.

You also can seek treatment from more than one doctor. This has to be approved by L&I or a self-insured employer if you’re among the one-third of Washington residents whose employers are self-insured.

Sometimes, your workers’ comp carrier will ask for an “independent” examination by doctors they choose. Under state law, they must provide locations reasonably close to your home.

The Initial Stages Of An L&I Claim Can Be Stressful – Get Help With A Free Consultation

The attorneys at Bothwell Hamill & Sutton, PLLC, make sure that the workers’ comp system treats you with dignity and respect. Our team provides professional service and genuinely cares for each person we represent. Whether you’re starting the L&I application process or need help finding the right doctor, reach out to us at 509-606-6917 or via this online form.

We can provide a free case review to help you understand your rights and options under Washington’s L&I system.

Learn More About Washington Workers’ Comp

Get all the information you need to make the best decisions about your health — and your future.

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