The employer may object to a treating physician's report recommending spinal surgery within how many days of receipt?

The employer may object to a treating physician's report recommending spinal surgery within how many days of receipt?

• A. Within 5 days
• B. Within 10 days
• C. Within 15 days
• D. Within 30 days

Answer: (B)

When a treating physician recommends spinal surgery, there is a defined, short window after receiving that report during which the employer can raise an objection. This keeps treatment timely for the worker while still giving the employer a real chance to review or challenge the recommendation if needed. If the objection is not made within that window, the report’s recommendation is treated as approved and the surgery may proceed under the workers’ compensation process. The other durations do not fit because they would either cut off the opportunity to review properly or delay care beyond what the regulation intends. This precise objection window is why the best choice reflects a limited period for the employer to act.

When a treating physician recommends spinal surgery, there is a defined, short window after receiving that report during which the employer can raise an objection. This keeps treatment timely for the worker while still giving the employer a real chance to review or challenge the recommendation if needed. If the objection is not made within that window, the report’s recommendation is treated as approved and the surgery may proceed under the workers’ compensation process. The other durations do not fit because they would either cut off the opportunity to review properly or delay care beyond what the regulation intends. This precise objection window is why the best choice reflects a limited period for the employer to act.