ACROSS Our PRESS DESK......

Sam Cahan, PE                          

You Disagree with the Treating Physician

You are an employee injured on the job. You disagree with the opinion of the treating physician. What are your options? 

California Senate Bill 899, effective 11/1/04 enables employers or insurers to establish medical provider networks (MPNs).

“An MPN is an entity or group of providers set up by an insurer or self-insured employer and approved by the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)to treat workers injured on the job

“Further the regulations require MPNs to follow all medical treatment guidelines established by the DWC …and must allow (employees) an opportunity for second and third opinions if the injured worker disagrees with the diagnosis or treatment offered by the treating physician.” 

(More info: www.dir.ca.gov . Click on rulemaking in the left navigation bar.)

3/6/05