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Straight
Track #23
Your Doctor Must Be
Your Best Friend
What The Doctor Doesn't Know May Hurt YouAlan
J. Fisher
Hoey & Farina Attorney
1-888-425-1212 Previous
editions of Straight Track have discussed how the claim agent
begins to build a file of information on the injured railroader
immediately after an injury. |
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What hasn't been discussed yet, is that the file will
contain as much medical information that the railroad can find and that
that typically comes to the railroad directly from your treating
physician.
Unless properly advised, your treating doctor may
mistakenly believe that the railroad is paying your medical bills, and
thus, the railroad should be given your medical records.
Further, your treating physician may also incorrectly
believe that you have waived your doctor / patient privilege.
Take Advantage Of
Your Right
To Choose Your Treating Doctor
If you are injured, you have the right to choose your
treating doctor. Although the
railroad may try to direct you to a "company" doctor for an
examination, which you may have a contractual obligation to go to, your
negotiated health insurance program allows you to make the decision who
will be your treating doctor.
You must choose a doctor that you are confident of his
professional abilities and that he is looking after your best interests.
Equally as important, you want your doctor to become well informed
as if he were your "best friend." (NOTE:
Under most labor contracts, you have the right under your medical
insurance plan to choose your own treating doctor(s). The following
railroads are just a few exceptions: Elgin, Joliet & Eastern; CN/IC;
Iowa Interstate; CP Rail and Wisconsin Central. Always check your labor
contract.)
Have Your Doctor
Get To Know You
Your relationship with a treating doctor should be built
before you are injured.
If allowed by your insurance program and to promote your general
health, find a family doctor, now, and get regular physical examinations.
Not only will you benefit from periodic examinations, and perhaps
early diagnosis of potential health risks, but in the event of a traumatic
injury at work, your personal doctor will be prepared to help and protect
you and your family.
Even
if you already have a doctor or have been injured, it is never too late to
start building a relationship with your doctor.
Explain
to your doctor the type of work you do and your insurance coverage.
Have your doctor read the document, "Knowing
Your Patient, the Railroad Employee" that explains your
rights as a railroad employee with regards to health care issues. {Click
here for alternative version of the "Knowing
Your Patient, the Railroad Employee"
letter which contains contact information for the doctor to call
with any questions).
If you would also like to provide your doctor with a copy your
"job description", as mentioned in the document, please contact
our office at (888) 425-1212 and we will be happy to send one to you or
directly to your doctor.
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