Who is in charge of my medical care?

The employer's Workers Compensation carrier should pay for medical care related to employee injuries – including a physician's care, diagnostic testing and medications. However, the insurance carrier has the right to direct medical care and send injured workers to the provider it selects, which can be frustrating to many injured workers.

If the insurance carrier denies medication or medical treatment as unnecessary, an employee may file a motion with the North Carolina Industrial Commission to compel such treatment. An employee may also be entitled to receive a pre-authorized medication account set up by the insurance carrier in order to avoid the hardship of out-of-pocket costs. If there is a disagreement about the direction of medical care the North Carolina Industrial Commission may be petitioned to intervene.

Information on this page is not intended as a substitute for a medical evaluation by a qualified provider or consult with an experienced Workers' Compensation attorney.