In Iowa, your employer has the right to choose your medical care if they have approved your claim.

Many times the biggest conflict you may have after you are injured is what physician is going to treat you and will their bills be paid. Who has the right to control and decide what medical care you receive is different in every state. Can you go to your family physician? It depends on what State you were injured in.

In the State of Iowa, the employer has the right to choose your medical care if they have accepted and approved your claim for benefits. The employer must then provide medical care that is reasonably suited to treat your injury including the right to choose your surgeon.

The employer must then provide medical care that is reasonably suited to treat your injury, including the right to choose your surgeon.

At any time if the employer or insurance carrier denies your claim, or they simply say they are no longer authorizing any further medical care, you then have the right to choose any physician to treat you for your injuries.

If you are dissatisfied with your medical care at any time, you should discuss your dissatisfaction with your employer in an attempt to agree on the type of medical care you are receiving and with what physician is going to treat you. If you cannot reach an agreement, then you may file a Petition for Alternate Care before the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner (Iowa WC Statute 85.27). This hearing is usually made available within 10 days from filing the request with the commissioner.

Be sure to discuss this issue with a knowledgeable attorney before you seek out any medical care if you are not sure who you can treat with for your injuries. Each state is different and there are rules you must follow in order to be sure your bills will be paid.