2026 Georgia Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (GSHHRA) Annual Conference-Panel of Physicians

Panel of Physicians

Pdf Summary

The presentation explains how Georgia employers—particularly hospitals—should manage workers’ compensation claims immediately after an injury. It emphasizes that the period right after the first report of injury is critical: employers should promptly gather facts, report the incident to the insurance carrier, and begin investigation and documentation.<br /><br />It defines a compensable “work injury” under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1(4) as requiring three elements: (1) an injury by accident (broadly defined and not limited to a single traumatic event), (2) arising out of employment (a causal connection to work), and (3) occurring in the course of employment (time, place, and circumstances). Injuries can include specific incidents, repetitive/cumulative trauma, or aggravation of pre-existing conditions, with liability limited to the period of temporary aggravation.<br /><br />The presentation reviews notice requirements under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80: employees generally must give notice within 30 days to a supervisor or employer representative; telling only a co-worker is insufficient. However, employers should not rely solely on a notice defense and must ask follow-up questions when an employee reports being hurt.<br /><br />For initial investigations, it recommends evaluating witnesses and statements, tenure, pre-existing conditions, video evidence, reporting timing (especially after weekends/holidays), health insurance, prior claims, and disciplinary history. It cautions against prematurely denying claims because denial can lead to litigation, forfeits control of the physician panel (allowing the claimant to choose any doctor), and Georgia is largely no-fault.<br /><br />It highlights the importance of completing the WC-6 wage statement and correctly calculating average weekly wage per O.C.G.A. § 34-9-260.<br /><br />A major focus is the “panel of physicians” as an early intervention tool: employers must create, explain, and conspicuously post a compliant panel and show it whenever an injury is reported. Best practice includes orientation acknowledgments. The panel must meet statutory requirements (e.g., orthopedic provider, minority provider, limits on industrial clinics). Employers should keep treatment on the panel, allow substitutions when specialty is missing, and after emergency care, redirect employees back to the panel.

Keywords

Georgia workers’ compensation

hospital employers

first report of injury (FROI)

O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1(4) compensable injury

arising out of and in the course of employment

repetitive/cumulative trauma claims

aggravation of pre-existing condition

O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80 notice requirement (30 days)

panel of physicians compliance and posting

WC-6 wage statement and average weekly wage (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-260)