I am not happy with my present doctor. Can I change my treating physician?

This is one of the most common questions we are asked. Clients who are not happy with their doctor, ask to change doctors. There is a perception that the workers’ Compensation doctor is bought, paid, and working for the workers compensation insurance carrier. This is simply not true. While there are some physicians who seem to side with the insurance carriers on a regular basis, the lawyers in the area all know who they are. I can easily rattle off the names of doctors who regularly testify and work directly for the insurance carriers. This is one of the reasons why people hire injury lawyers as we generally are very familiar with the medical providers in the area and can provide invaluable help to those who need to know where to get good, competent medical care. Under Virginia law, once you have established a doctor-patient relationship, you cannot change physicians. You might be able to get a second opinion, but you will not be able to change physicians without the consent of the Workers’ Compensation Insurance carrier.