If an employee is represented and the employer objects to the treating physician's recommendation for spinal surgery, how many days are allowed to reach agreement on a second opinion and what professional is involved?

• A. 20; surgeon for second opinion
• B. 15; primary care physician
• C. 10; physician for second opinion
• D. 30; independent medical examiner

Answer: (C)

When a workers’ comp medical dispute involves spinal surgery and the employee is represented, the process requires a second opinion from a physician designated specifically as the physician for second opinion. The two sides must reach agreement on that second opinion within 10 days. The physician for second opinion provides an independent review of the treatment plan to determine whether the surgery is medically necessary, helping resolve the dispute without delay. Other options don’t fit because they either name a different type of clinician (surgeon, primary care physician, or independent medical examiner) or suggest a longer timeframe; the established procedure is 10 days and a physician for second opinion.