How Insurance Companies Pressure Your Workers Comp Doctor
Shocking Truth:
Would you be surprised to learn that your workers' compensation doctor is being pressured by your employer and their insurance company to minimize the severity of your work injury?
Most of us have been raised to believe that doctors have one goal – to make you better. But in the workers' compensation world this is often not the case.
The Insurance Company Has Access to Your Medical Records
Because the insurance company is paying the bill for your treatment, they are entitled to receive copies of your medical records and in workers' compensation cases, you can be sure that the adjuster assigned to your case will be reading every record.
Although your doctor will never tell you this, he/she will regularly get calls and emails from insurance adjusters pressuring your doctor to change how the doctor's reports are worded.
Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Manipulate Medical Records
1. Prior Injury History
Did you have a prior injury to your back or body part that you recently hurt at work? The insurance company will pressure the doctor to say that your current injury may not be entirely related to your recent accident. This is especially common with back injuries, neck injuries, and shoulder injuries, where insurance companies try to blame pre-existing conditions rather than the work accident.
2. Recreational Activities
Do you play softball, soccer or some other sport? The insurance company will pressure the doctor to relate your current injury to your recreational physical activity.
3. Activities of Daily Living
Does your doctor ask you about grocery shopping, or cooking or housework? The insurance company wants the doctor to say that you are having no problems with activities of daily living.
4. Treatment Compliance
Was physical therapy so painful that you had to stop? The insurance company wants the doctor to say that you were not cooperative and refused to participate in necessary treatment.
Insurance Adjusters Believe Every Worker is Faking
Many insurance adjustors believe that every injured worker is faking or exaggerating their injuries so they feel no guilt about trying to manipulate the medical records in your case to avoid paying for tests like MRIs or CT scans.
They also feel no guilt about trying to manipulate you into accepting a low ball settlement by including irrelevant issues in settlement negotiations.
Critical Understanding:
Make no mistake – when you file a workers' compensation case, you are going to war and you should not be surprised by anything that the insurance company throws at you.
How to Protect Yourself
Understanding these tactics is the first step in protecting your rights. Here's what you can do:
- Be completely honest with your doctor about your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury affects your daily life
- Document everything – keep a journal of your pain levels, activities you can't do, and how the injury impacts your life
- Get copies of all medical records to ensure they accurately reflect what you told your doctor
- Don't downplay your symptoms to appear tough or to try to return to work faster
- Be aware of social media – insurance companies monitor your posts for evidence to use against you
- Hire an experienced workers' compensation attorney who knows these tactics and can protect your rights
You Don't Have to Face This Alone
The workers' compensation system can feel stacked against injured workers, but you have rights. An experienced attorney can level the playing field by:
- Reviewing your medical records for accuracy
- Communicating with doctors on your behalf
- Challenging improper insurance company tactics
- Ensuring you get the medical treatment you need
- Fighting for the full benefits you deserve
Don't let insurance company manipulation tactics deny you the benefits you're entitled to under Georgia law.
About Attorney Jodi Ginsberg
Attorney Jodi Ginsberg represents employees who are injured on the job and who need medical care and missed wage benefits available under Georgia's workers' compensation laws. With 30+ years of experience, Jodi has helped thousands of injured workers get the benefits they deserve.
Facing Insurance Company Pressure or Denial?
If you suspect your medical records are being manipulated or your claim is being unfairly denied, contact us for a free consultation. We know the insurance company tactics and how to fight back.