What is a designated treating physician?

A designated treating physician is a doctor appointed by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to provide medical treatment to an injured worker. This type of doctor is specifically responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing an injured worker’s medical condition. They are responsible for approving any care that the worker needs to recover from their injury. The designated treating physician works closely with the worker, the worker’s employer, and L&I to ensure that the worker receives appropriate medical care. This doctor is expected to provide regular updates on the worker’s status and progress to L&I, as well as to the worker’s employer. Additionally, the designated treating physician is expected to follow up with the worker to ensure that their injury is healing properly, and is able to return to work as soon as possible. The designated treating physician is chosen from a list of qualified doctors provided by L&I. This list is made up of healthcare providers – including doctors, nurses, and physical and occupational therapists – who are licensed in Washington and meet L&I’s standards for treating workers with work-related injuries and illnesses. The goal of L&I’s workers’ compensation system is to ensure that injured workers receive the medical care they need to recover from their injuries, while also providing a safe and healthy environment for them to return to work. The role of the designated treating physician is important in helping to make sure that this system works effectively.

What is a designated treating physician?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts