How many days does an ER or insurance carrier, from the date of request, have to provide an employee with a change of physician form?

How many days does an ER or insurance carrier, from the date of request, have to provide an employee with a change of physician form?

• A. 5 calendar days
• B. 5 working days
• C. 10 calendar days
• D. 10 working days

Answer: (B)

Five working days from the date of the request, the ER or insurance carrier must provide the employee with a change of physician form. The distinction between working days and calendar days matters because it creates a practical, business-focused timeline—weekends and holidays aren’t counted, so the process isn’t delayed by non-working days. This prompt provision helps the employee access a different physician without undue delay if the current arrangement isn’t meeting medical needs or access requirements.

Five working days from the date of the request, the ER or insurance carrier must provide the employee with a change of physician form. The distinction between working days and calendar days matters because it creates a practical, business-focused timeline—weekends and holidays aren’t counted, so the process isn’t delayed by non-working days. This prompt provision helps the employee access a different physician without undue delay if the current arrangement isn’t meeting medical needs or access requirements.