Opinion ID: 1843101
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Is Lanterman entitled to be compensated by Roadway for all future medical treatment by doctors selected by Lanterman for such period of time as the nature of his injuries may require?

Text: Lanterman is correct when he contends that he is entitled to be compensated by Roadway for all future medical treatment by doctors selected by Lanterman for such period of time as the nature of his injuries may require. By statute, Lanterman may accept the services furnished by the employer or, in his discretion, [may] select a competent physician of his choosing to administer medical treatment. Should the employer desire, he may have the employee examined by a physician other than of the employee's choosing for the purpose of evaluating temporary or permanent disability under such reasonable terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the commission. Miss. Code Ann. § 71-3-15 (Supp. 1991). The Commission affirmed the Administrative Judge's order which read in pertinent part: IT IS, THEREFORE ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that the employer herein do: 1. Pay for, furnish and provide to the claimant all reasonable and necessary hospital medical services and supplies as incurred due to his injury to his cervical area on April 7, 1978, ..., and specifically excluding any services and treatment rendered by any physician not authorized by the employer herein for any complaints and or condition other than for the cervical injury sustained by the claimant. A close reading of this order shows that the exclusion only pertains to those physicians who have already treated Lanterman. What the order says is that if Roadway has authorized treatment to Lanterman for complaints and conditions other than his injuries incurred on April 7, then Roadway is responsible for payment. If Roadway did not so authorize treatment, then Lanterman is responsible. This portion of the order does not address Lanterman's right to choose his own physician in the future. This argument has no merit.