Source: https://www-sf.talispoint.com/talispoint/data/DIRECTORY_prod/FIRSTHEALTH/az.html
Timestamp: 2019-08-18 21:44:35
Document Index: 569397537

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 23', '§ 23', '§ 23', '§ 23', '§ 23', '§ 23', '§ 23', '§ 23', '§ 23', '§ 23', '§ 23', '§ 23', '§ 23']

An employer can direct an injured employee to a physician of the employer's choice for a one-time evaluation. Following that visit, the injured worker may return to that physician or pursue treatment with a physician of his/her choice. (Industrial Commission of AZ Website: http://www.ica.state.az.us/Claims/Forms/Claims_FAQs_WorkersCompensation.pdf)
When an accident occurs to an employee, the employer may designate in writing a physician chosen by the employer, who shall be permitted by the employee, or any person in charge of the employee, to make one examination of the injured employee in order to ascertain the character and extent of the injury occasioned by the accident. (A.R.S. § 23-908 (F))
No employee may change doctors without the written authorization of the insurance carrier, the commission or the attending physician. (A.R.S. § 23-1071(B))
Note: Request to Change Doctor Form
http://www.ica.state.az.us/Claims/Forms/Claims_RequestToChangeDoctors.pdf
If the medical, surgical or hospital aid or treatment being furnished by an employer is such that there is reasonable ground to believe that the health, life or recovery of any employee is endangered or impaired thereby, the commission, upon application of the employee or upon its own motion, may order a change of physicians or other conditions. If the employer fails to comply with the order promptly, the injured employee may elect to have medical, surgical or hospital aid or treatment provided by or through the special fund established by section 23-1065. (A.R.S. § 23-1070 (E))
Except as provided in A.R.S. § 23-1070 and this subsection, a claimant who is examined by a physician under A.R.S. § 23-908(E) is not required to obtain written authorization to change to another physician. If, however, the claimant continues to see, or treat with, a physician who the claimant initially saw or treated with under A.R.S. § 23-908(E), then that physician is an attending physician and the claimant shall obtain written authorization to change under A.R.S. § 23-1071(B) if the claimant seeks to change to another physician. (A.A.C. § R20-5-113 F.)
Actions or conduct that impair or limit the right of an employee to choose their medical provider may rise to the level of bad faith and/or unfair claims processing practices under A.R.S. § 23-930. The Commission will investigate a complaint of bad faith/unfair claims processing practices, and if appropriate, impose penalties under A.R.S. § 23-930, in those circumstances where a carrier, employer, or TPA has engaged in conduct that results in directing a claimant to a "network" provider. The following are examples of conduct that the Commission would consider appropriate for investigation under A.R.S. § 23-930.
A claimant is told that they must see a physician (or other provider) that is "in the network;"
A claimant is told that care from a "non-network" physician (or other provider) is not authorized;
A "network" physician (or other provider) is told that referrals are required to be made to another "network" physician (or other provider);
A "network" physician (or other provider) is told that they may not recommend a "non-network" provider to a patient;
A "non-network" physician (or other provider) is told that care will only be provided if by a "network" provider; and
A "non-network" provider is told that reimbursement will be made according to "network" discounts.
(The Physicians' and Pharmaceutical fee schedule of the Industrial Commission of Arizona: http://www.ica.state.az.us/Director/DIR_FSYearSelector.aspx )
ARIZONA SELF-INSURED ONLY
If a self-injured employer has complied with the requirements of A.R.S § 23-1070, it may direct care beyond the initial visit. (A.R.S § 23-1070)
An employer, other than this state or a political subdivision of this state, who secures compensation to his employees in the manner provided in section 23-961 subsection A, paragraph 1 or 2, alone or jointly with other employers, in lieu of making premium payments for medical, surgical and hospital benefits, may provide such benefits to injured employees and may collect one-half of the cost thereof from his employees, not to exceed one dollar per month from any employee, which may be deducted from the wages of the employee. (A.R.S § 23-1070)