Choice/Change of Physician

An employer was not required to consent to a change of physicians where claimant, who sustained a pulmonary injury and initially chose to see a physician who was not a pulmonary specialist, later decided to undergo treatment from a pulmonary specialist, because the initial physician sent claimant to other specialists skilled in treating pulmonary injuries, and thus the initial physician provided the care of a specialist whose services are necessary for the proper care and treatment of the compensable injury pursuant to Section 7(b) and 20 C.F.R. §702.406(a). Senegal v. Strachan Shipping Co., 21 BRBS 8 (1988). Section 7(b) and its accompanying regulation, 20 C.F.R. §702.407, address the authority of the Secretary and the deputy commissioners to oversee an injured employee's medical care. The provisions, do not, however, address the issue of payment or reimbursement, which is governed by Section 7(d). Thus, where employer refuses to authorize a change in physician, claimant is entitl...