"Panel of Physicians in Georgia Workers’ Compensation"

Swift Currie attorney Sarah Luna authored an article published by WorkersCompensation.com on June 25 highlighting the importance of providing a “Panel of Physicians in Georgia Workers’ Compensation.”

Employers should provide a posted panel of physicians that provides injured employees with a list of selected doctors in order to ensure that care is reasonable and does not result in an extended period of temporary total disability benefits.

Employers must ensure that the list is composed of a correct panel of physicians as outlined by O.C.G.A. § 34-9-201 and the list must be posted in a place that is readily accessible to employees. Luna recommended that, “Panels should be reviewed at least annually to determine their validity, as physicians may move offices, stop accepting workers’ compensation, retire or even die – any of which could invalidate the panel.”

New employees should always be made aware of what they need to do if injured on the job and where they can find the list of panel physicians. To avoid complication of hearsay, Luna advised that “employers should have employees sign off on a statement as part of the orientation process indicating they have been instructed on what to do if they are injured on the job, have been instructed on the purpose and function of the panel and know where the panel is located.”

“Adherence to the statutory requirements listed above can help greatly reduce employers' exposure to Georgia workers’ compensation claims, as the Panel of Physicians represents the employer/insurer’s best attempt to have the best doctors available for their workforce,” explained Luna.

Click here to read the full article.