Georgia Workers’ Compensation: Why Your Panel of Physicians Matters
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Georgia employers can strengthen their defense of Workers’ Compensation claims by establishing a strategically curated panel of physicians Employers have the authority to select panel physicians whose practices and philosophies align with the company’s objectives Employers must ensure the injured employees clearly understand the panel process and their rights within it In Georgia workers’ compensation claims, the Panel of Physicians is the employer’s first line of defense after an accident . Maintaining control of medical from day one can make all the difference in how a claim unfolds. But if the panel is invalid , the injured employee can pick any doctor they want as their Authorized Treating Physician (ATP). That shift can significantly increase exposure for both medical and indemnity benefits and prolong the timeline for resolving the claim. Employers have the right to select physicians who are aligned with their goals: providers who understand their business, ro...