Dr. Jim Roderique Closes His Doors—Time to Cover Your Panel Bases

Written by: Sam Crochet, Esq.

Recently, Georgia hand surgeon Jim Roderique announced he is retiring from the medical profession. A mainstay on many employer-panels over the years, Dr. Roderique’s retirement brings to light an important issue to consider for defending and managing workers’ compensation claims—regular maintenance of the posted panel of physicians. As we know all too well, gaining control of who the medical provider is by having a valid panel can significantly impact the payout of medical/income benefits over the life of a claim. That is why a posted panel of physicians can be an employer’s best friend…or worst enemy.

The advantage can be lost by failing to list a minimum of six (6) practicing physicians (and periodically checking with panel-providers to keep phone numbers and addresses up to date!). In light of Dr. Roderique closing his doors, it is helpful to know where you stand. We encourage you to take a moment and make sure your panels include physicians who are currently in business and comply with the rest of the Board Rules—such as the need for an orthopaedic physician and minority physician. Based on Dr. Roderique’s location, this is particularly true with respect to the Atlanta and metro area.

In taking time to ensure a panel is “up to date,” you can help prevent overzealous claimants’ attorneys, who will scrutinize panels for a number of reasons, from attempting to argue their clients should be able to treat with a physician of their choice (all on the employer/insurer’s dime).