As an employer in Colorado, you have the right, in the first instance, to select the physician who will provide medical care to your injured employees. This is known as the designated medical provider.
Colorado Law requires a written designated provider letter be given to the injured worker within seven business days following the date the employer receives notice of an employee’s injury. The injured employee then needs to select a medical provider of his or her choice from the employer’s selected on-the job physicians designated on the letter.
The employee must sign and date the letter to confirm receipt of the information, and the signed copy should be forwarded to your claims adjuster. This letter should not be filled out in advance. Your worker’s compensation contact should have the master letter and provide it to the injured employee at the time they report the incident. If you fail to supply the required designated provider list to the injured employee, then he or she may select a treating physician of their choice.
Review your designated provider notification letter to make sure the medical providers listed are current and that you are using the letter dated 2020. This letter is updated annually and provided as a part of your workers’ compensation renewal packet. If you need to make updates or have questions, please contact your claims consultant, Paula Lowder at paula.lowder@mcgriff.com.
