Who is defined as the Attending Physician (AP)?

The Attending Physician (AP) is defined as the physician primarily responsible for the treatment of a specific injury. This designation is crucial because the AP plays a key role in the management of an injured worker's care, ensuring that the treatment plans and medical evaluations are tailored to the individual’s specific health needs related to the injury.

The AP is typically the doctor who initially assesses the injury and establishes the treatment regimen, making them the primary point of contact for the injured worker throughout their recovery process. Their expertise and ongoing involvement can significantly influence the outcome of the treatment, as they are directly responsible for monitoring the patient's progress and making necessary adjustments to the care plan. This role is particularly important in the context of workers' compensation and safety programs, where the coordination of care is essential for efficient recovery and return-to-work processes.

In contrast, other roles such as those conducting medical evaluations for claims or healthcare administrators do not have the same responsibility for direct patient care and treatment, which distinguishes the AP's role. Thus, selecting the physician who is primarily responsible for treating the specific injury accurately identifies the Attending Physician within the context of medical care for injured workers.