Troop, I too am newbie to this site, but, having perused a great deal it does provide substantial benefit, at least that is my opinion. That said, I concurr with ACE25. In my neighboring state of Alabama, I had to be out 2 weeks before WC paid any wage/s. We have a lot of pro employer latitude in some areas. Employer has pretty much blank check when it comes to initial Dr.s. You may seek other but it cost you. From my experience with attorneys, I also, believe it would be to your advantage to wait before retaining one. You might confer with a couple to see if you can find one you can deal with. Remember they and/or their staff are out to make money for them -not necessarily you. Some will take a case and ride it out with the least involvement they have to make and be there to collect their share in a settlement.
Wish you luck.
With my Back injury, I was initially sent to their preferred porvider -"Doc-in-a-box"- my term for these little stand alone first aid stations tht see you when you need more than a band aid. They took X-Rays and stated "You have a problem". I stated "Duh". This led to therapy and light-duty for 1 week then immobilzation and therapy alternated finally I was told I need to see a specialist. They allowed me to choose from one specialty - Orthopedics (sp?). They sent me to an Orthapedic Specialist ,Bone Dr., when I should have been sent to a Neuro-Surgeon. Hind-sight is always better. So, for the time being ya got to follow their rules and go where they send. If you don't like it file complaints -keep records of each and every thing, (appointment times, when you are seen, who sees you, what was said and done.) I know that's a lot and hard to keep up with. I found it beneficial to purchase a small personal recording device and keep in with me.
I am also "brain-dead" so a personal recorder can come in handy for other things too.
Rest assured it will be an uncomfortable journey. They make sure you ain't there for the fun of it. However, you will survive.
Respectfully
BAMA07
Wish you luck.
With my Back injury, I was initially sent to their preferred porvider -"Doc-in-a-box"- my term for these little stand alone first aid stations tht see you when you need more than a band aid. They took X-Rays and stated "You have a problem". I stated "Duh". This led to therapy and light-duty for 1 week then immobilzation and therapy alternated finally I was told I need to see a specialist. They allowed me to choose from one specialty - Orthopedics (sp?). They sent me to an Orthapedic Specialist ,Bone Dr., when I should have been sent to a Neuro-Surgeon. Hind-sight is always better. So, for the time being ya got to follow their rules and go where they send. If you don't like it file complaints -keep records of each and every thing, (appointment times, when you are seen, who sees you, what was said and done.) I know that's a lot and hard to keep up with. I found it beneficial to purchase a small personal recording device and keep in with me.
I am also "brain-dead" so a personal recorder can come in handy for other things too.
Rest assured it will be an uncomfortable journey. They make sure you ain't there for the fun of it. However, you will survive.
Respectfully
BAMA07
