Many injured workers don't have a regular health‑care provider. If this is you, do your research. Ask contacts in your community for recommendations. Make sure your health‑care provider is qualified to treat your injury and is familiar with the workers' compensation system. Go to the American Medical Association's Web site (www.ama-assn.org) to search for a health‑care provide or the Washington State Medical Association's Web site (www.wsma.org) or the Washington State Chiropractic Association's Web site (www.chirohealth.org) for consumer advice. You can get help Finding a Doctor near you. Not satisfied with your care? You have the right to change health‑care providers or to seek a second opinion.

If your employer is self‑insured, file your claim directly with your employer. They will give you a Self‑Insurer Accident Report (SIF‑2). Fill out the form completely and return it to your employer or their representative. The doctor will complete a Physician's Initial Report (PIR) (F207‑028‑000) and mail it to your self‑insured employer's claim representative. About a third of all Washington employees work for self‑insured employers.

Yes. You may choose any doctor who is qualified to treat your injury. They include: medical, osteopathic, chiropractic, naturopathic and podiatric, physicians, dentists, optometrists and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners. You also may get a second medical opinion if your claim manager approves it.

• You must first get medical treatment. Your health‑care provider will assist you in completing a Report of Industrial Injury or Occupational Disease and files your claim with L&I.
• If you work for a self‑insured employer, your employer will provide you with a Self‑Insurer Accident Report (SIF‑2) and assist you in completing the form. Your health‑care provider submits the Provider's Initial Report (PIR) to the self-insured employer.
• About a third of all Washington employees work for self‑insured employers.

If you were hurt at a specific time and place where you work, you should be covered, though there are exceptions. Occupational diseases — specific conditions that result from certain types of work over time — also may be covered.

Washington is a no-fault state, so L&I will cover an allowable claim for a workplace injury regardless of who is at fault. This rule also applies to self‑insured employers.

Washington workers' compensation benefits do not change if you live outside Washington State. The right to receive treatment, time loss, vocational rehabilitation, permanent disability and other benefits remains intact. However, your responsibilities also continue. If you do not cooperate with these responsibilities your benefits may stop. You must:

• Have an attending doctor manage your treatment and provide reports to L&I regarding your continued eligibility for benefits.
• Notify L&I in writing if your address or phone number changes.
• Cooperate in your treatment and return to work efforts.
• Notify L&I immediately if you return to any type of work, including self‑employment.
• Cooperate with vocational rehabilitation activities.
• Attend L&I or self‑insured employer arranged independent medical examinations.
• If you're thinking of moving out of Washington, learn what you can do to communicate with L&I and find new care.