Workers still have the right to choose the first physician they see. The plan also has control over subsequent consultations or referrals. Employees are required to tell the treating physician which plan covers them before treatment is provided. Employers must also report the injury to the plan within 24 of the time it is reported to them. The plan then has to contact the physicians and inform them of its rules.
Every injury has to be reported to the employer's managed care plan.
However, the insurer may consider some claims to be so minor that management of the treatment is unnecessary, and may elect not to have the claim managed. Employees retain the right, in any case, to have access to medical services within 48 hours of the time they request them. The idea behind managed care is to save money by making medical care faster, more efficient, and more effective. The Department has a list of the certified managed care plans, with their addresses and phone numbers. The plans are certified each fall for the following year.