Guide for choosing your DOL Doctors

Work-related accidents and DOL claims demand a certain amount of paperwork and that paperwork demands that the information provided be thorough and clear. For this reason, it matters whom you choose as a treating doctor for your DOL claim. Here are a few things to take into consideration:

• The doctor’s consumer rating. Doctor’s are service providers too. It’s not enough to simply be able to provide the necessary medical treatment, but it’s also important for that doctor to provide that service with a quality bedside manner and with the knowledge and skill necessary for the task. Reading reviews or getting referrals from other patients is a good way to get a handle on the doctor’s consumer rating. There are also websites available to help you ascertain this information.
• The doctor’s experience. Every doctor has to learn somewhere and sometime, but you may not want it to be on you or with your DOL claim. When considering a doctor to treat your injuries, don’t be afraid to question their experience and to allow that information to factor into your decision making.
• The doctor’s admitting privileges. Every doctor has partnerships with area hospitals. If you prefer to be treated at a particular hospital during your recovery, make sure that you talk to the doctor and find out which hospital(s) they have privileges with.
• The doctor’s locale. Throughout your recovery time, you will be making multiple trips back and forth to see the doctor for treatments, tests, paperwork, etc. You will want to find the best available doctor in your proximity.

Making sure that you have the best doctor treating you is a valuable resource in your recovery. Use these considerations to make your decision and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.