When the employee is represented and a second opinion is sought, which professional is designated to provide the second opinion?

When the employee is represented and a second opinion is sought, which professional is designated to provide the second opinion?

• A. Orthopedic surgeon for second opinion
• B. Physician for second opinion
• C. Chiropractor for second opinion
• D. Podiatrist for second opinion

Answer: (B)

When a represented employee seeks a second opinion, the second opinion must come from a physician. This ensures the medical-legal evaluation is conducted by a licensed physician whose opinion carries the weight needed for workers’ compensation decisions. Non-physician providers, such as chiropractors or podiatrists, aren’t designated for this second-opinion role in this context. While an orthopedic surgeon is a physician, the rule is that the second opinion should be provided by a physician in general, not restricted to a specific specialty.

When a represented employee seeks a second opinion, the second opinion must come from a physician. This ensures the medical-legal evaluation is conducted by a licensed physician whose opinion carries the weight needed for workers’ compensation decisions. Non-physician providers, such as chiropractors or podiatrists, aren’t designated for this second-opinion role in this context. While an orthopedic surgeon is a physician, the rule is that the second opinion should be provided by a physician in general, not restricted to a specific specialty.