Q: Can I get a second opinion from an independent MD?
I was injured on the job in October 2016 (fracture of 1st and 2nd for) I had surgery 2 months later. Since the surgery I have had continued pain and swelling so the MD has kept me on light duty due to swelling in my foot ( my company has no light duty) so I have yet to be released. At my last MD appointment an x-ray was taken and according to the MD notes x-ray "looks good". I as well as a family member (MD) have looked at the x-ray as I got a copy of my medical chart and it does not "look good". I was told by the WC insurance company that I could not get a second opinion without my current MD referring me out, and now they are requesting that I see a state MD. My fear is knowing the state MD works for WC is he/she going to give me a legitimate exam... Should I look into getting a lawyer? Can you recommend a WC layer in El Paso TX? Can I get my own second opinion from my PCP?
A: You can get a 2nd opinion but you will have to have your treating doctor for workers' comp refer you to another doctor. If you choose to go to your own 2nd opinion doctor, then you will be responsible for the charges. If you are going to a state selected designated doctor, then they do not work for the insurance company. You can choose to hire an attorney from another city if you would like.
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