Workers' compensation in the United States and the role of the primary care physician

The workers' compensation system was designed as a no-fault system in the e arly years of the last century. The system is organized on a state level. T here are three differing models in current use: the single public fund, the single private fund, and an open market. States range as well in the amoun t of choice available to the injured workers in their selection of health c are providers. In each state though, the physician plays an integral role i n ensuring that the injured worker obtains adequate medical care in a promp t and efficient manner. The physician's function is either as treating phys ician, or as one who provides an independent medical evaluation for either the employee's lawyer, the employer, the insurer or their counsel or the st ate. Many obvious improvements in the system have not been made because pol itical agreement on the state level is often lacking.