In accordance with the Colorado Workers' Compensation Act, your employer must provide up to four medical providers for you to choose as your health care provider for your work-related injury or illness. If an employer is a health care provider that has its own occupational health care clinic, it is not required to provide an alternate provider from outside its own system.
If your employer has designated the Center for Occupational Safety and Health as one of the providers for your work-related injury or illness, you can choose to be seen at the COSH clinic. If your treating physician determines that consultation with a specialist is required at any time during the course of your care, you will be referred to an appropriate specialist. You will partner with your COSH provider to determine your return to work plan if required.
The clinic at the Center for Occupational Safety and Health provides medical care for work-related injuries/illnesses in accordance with Colorado state law. If you are injured while in the course and scope of your employment, you will be entitled to medical care for the injury.
You may request a one-time change in the designated authorized treating physician within 90 days after the date of your injury but before maximum medical improvement. Contact the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation for instructions on the rules and regulations of changing treating physicians.
Each time you are seen at the clinic, you will be given a "return to work pass." This form tells your employer if any work restrictions are required. Before you leave the Occupational Health and Safety Clinic, make sure you have your "return to work pass." You must provide it to your employer immediately upon your return to work. It is important that you give your "return to work pass" to your employer the same day as your appointment. If your appointment is at the end of the day, make every effort to get the form back as soon as possible.
Also, be sure to schedule a follow-up appointment before you leave the physician's office.
