If there is no Medical Provider Network, how long may an injured employee wait before treating with a non-network physician?

If there is no Medical Provider Network, how long may an injured employee wait before treating with a non-network physician?

• A. 24 hours
• B. 60 days
• C. 30 days
• D. 90 days

Answer: (C)

When there is no Medical Provider Network, the rule gives the injured employee a limited window to seek care from a non-network physician. The employee may treat with any physician for the first 30 days from the date of first treatment. After that 30-day period, continued treatment generally needs to be with a physician on the employer’s panel or within a network to keep the workers’ compensation benefits in effect, unless an exception applies. So the maximum time to wait before treating with a non-network physician is 30 days.

When there is no Medical Provider Network, the rule gives the injured employee a limited window to seek care from a non-network physician. The employee may treat with any physician for the first 30 days from the date of first treatment. After that 30-day period, continued treatment generally needs to be with a physician on the employer’s panel or within a network to keep the workers’ compensation benefits in effect, unless an exception applies. So the maximum time to wait before treating with a non-network physician is 30 days.