Are you shopping around for new workers' compensation insurance? Maybe you've recently switched insurance carriers. In either case, consider this your reminder to provide The Occupational Health Center (OHC) at Chester County Hospital with the contact information for your new workers' comp insurance carrier and an updated provider panel.

As a reminder, The Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act allows employers to establish a list of designated health care providers. This list, or panel, must be kept current and properly posted at your workplace, where your employees can see it. Each provider's name, address, telephone number, and specialty must be included on the list. Your employees must also be notified of their rights and duties with regard to the use of the provider panel.

When you create and post a the criteria for a provider panel that meets the law's criteria are met, any employee with a workplace injury or illness must seek treatment only from a designated provider during the first 90 days after the injury is reported. The employee has the right to switch from one designated provider to another at any time in those 90 days, as long as each provider is on the panel.

There are exceptions. An employee may seek care from a non-panel provider within those first 90 days in the following situations:

  • Emergencies
  • If the employee needs a type of specialist that is not offered on the panel
  • If the panel provider refers the employee to a non-panel provider for treatment
  • If the panel provider recommends an invasive procedure and the employee wants a second opinion from a non-panel provider
  • Once the initial 90-day period has ended

Of course, after 90 days, the employee can see any provider they choose and it will still be covered.

By putting together a carefully selected list of providers, you help ensure that your employee receives timely, well-managed, high-quality care that will be covered by your workers' compensation insurance.

Giving your employees access to providers who are experienced at treating workplace injuries and familiar with workers' compensation laws in this state can also save you money. Your employee will receive prompt and appropriate care to help them recuperate and return to their job, and all billing and paperwork will be handled accurately.

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation requires that a provider panel include at least six health care providers; three of these must be physicians. Your panel must should also include providers with locations that are accessible to your employees.

Here are some additional guidelines to keep in mind when choosing your provider panel:

  • Your panel should include specialists that commonly treat the types of injuries and illnesses your employees might experience, such as occupational medicine, orthopedists, physical therapists, general surgeons, ophthalmologists, and dentists.
  • If your panel providers are part of a larger health care network, it will allow for seamless and timely referrals if tests and specialist consultations are recommended.
  • The Occupational Health Center specializes in Occupational Medicine and is part of the renowned Penn Medicine provider network. When it comes to workers' compensation, OHC has the most experienced team in Chester County and will work with your company to treat your injured employee, help your employee and you navigate each step, and control costs.

Is your provider panel current? If not, please send us your current list. If you need assistance selecting or updating your panel, contact us.

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