Workers’ Comp Attorneyss’ Blog

Deciding What Type of Doctor you Need in a Workers Comp Case

Today’s doctors are very specialized, limiting the scope of their practice to one or two areas.  You will likely be able to find a workers comp physician who specializes in the type of medical issue you have.

Here is a basic outline of many types of workers comp medical specialists and what they do.

• Workers Comp Case Cardiologist: 

A cardiologist treats and diagnoses any problems related to the heart.  Some perform surgery, while others are more generalized in terms of experience.

• Workers Comp Case Chiropractor: 

A chiropractor treats spinal and soft- tissue injuries of a nonsurgical nature. He or she uses therapy, including manipulation and adjustments to the body structure, to treat problems resulting from a lack of normal nerve functions.

• Workers Comp Case General Practitioner: 

These are the equivalent of what you might think of as a family doctor.  A GP is on the front line of treatment. When you are initially injured, he will treat your injuries, prescribe the necessary medications, and determine whether you need a referral to a specialist.

• Workers Comp Case General Surgeon: 

A general surgeon may treat injuries in need of surgery, but that don’t require an orthopedist’s or neurosurgeon’s expertise.

• Workers Comp Case Neurologist: 

A neurologist will generally diagnose and treat injuries to nerves and diseases affecting nerves. While closely related to neurosurgeons, a neurologist’s training focuses more on testing procedures and treatment, but he or she generally does not perform surgery.

• Workers Comp Case Neurosurgeon: 

A neurosurgeon will diagnose, treat, and if necessary, perform surgeries related to injuries to the brain, head, neck, and back, along with any neurological issues you may have that relate to these areas.

• Workers Comp Case Ophthalmologist: 

An ophthalmologist treats and diagnoses problems and injuries related to the eyes.

• Workers Comp Case Orthopedic physician: 

Orthopedists diagnose and treat diseases and injuries related to either bones or joints. This is a highly specialized field, and it is not unusual to find a doctor who specializes in and treats solely one area of your body, such as your back, neck, knees, hands, or shoulders.

• Workers Comp Case Pain Management Specialist: 

If your pain is diagnosed as persistent, a Pain Management Specialist may be consulted.  Treatments may consist of medical intervention, and sometimes, some type of invasive surgery.

• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: 

Physical Medicine and Rehab physicians treat injuries and pain with medication and rehabilitative techniques rather than with surgical procedures.  It is not unusual to seek the services of a physical medicine/rehab doctor to handle your treatment post-surgery.

• Psychologist / Psychiatrist:

 These doctors diagnose and treat mental injuries, behavioral issues and associated problems. A psychologist may provide testing and/or counseling.  A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor and in addition to testing and counseling, can prescribe medication.

Long Beach, CA Workers Comp Attorneys

Finding the right doctor may be one of the most important things you do in terms of your health and your workers comp case.

Our Long Beach attorneys have had experience with many of the workers comp physicians in the area, and can narrow down the list provided by your employer’s medical provider network.

We can help you find a physician who is familiar with the workers comp system, and who is not only a skilled doctor, but who can also provide the proper documentation to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

Your consultation with our workers’ comp attorneys is 100% confidential, and neither your employer nor your insurance company will be notified that you requested a consultation with us. Our lawyers will help you understand your rights and work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum workers’ comp benefits for which you qualify.

Long Beach, CA Workers Comp Attorneys FREE CONSULTATION: 800-964-8047