This was the question I was just asked by a new client, and one I get asked repeatedly.  In this case, the client was seeing Dr. Nogalski, a frequently seen Missouri workers compensation doctor in St. Louis.  She claims that Dr. Nogalski has been less than courteous and has even yelled at her when she wanted to know if there were any other options beside the surgery he was recommended.

The unfortunate fact is you are often stuck with the employer provided workers compensation doctor under Missouri law.  The law says that the employer (really their workers compensation insurance carrier) must pay for all medical treatment.  The trade-off is they get to choose the doctor you see.  What usually ends up happening is they use the same doctors again and again.  It's my opinion that these doctors know are not on your side, but the insurance companies side, because it's such a source of repeat business.  They are not going to bite the hand that feeds them.  I think this is often true when the employees are sent to BarnesCare or Concentra. 

It is not until you get a lawyer do you have a chance of getting away from the employer's chosen doctor.  We have been successful in going to a workers compensation judge and asking for an order that the insurance company has to provide a different doctor. 

If you have been injured at work and need to speak to a Missouri Workers Compensation Lawyer, contact Josh Myers.  His practice exclusively focuses on personal injury, such as car accidents and semi wrecks, and workers compensation cases.  As a trial lawyer in St. Louis, Mo, he handles serious injury cases throughout Missouri and Illinois.

Additionally, if you are looking for some information on how the Missouri workers compensation system really works, put in your free order for The Ultimate Missouri Work Comp Book.