Can they force me to see a doctor outside of town?

[brandontaylor]

I'm hoping someone can give me some guidance here because this feels like it shouldn't be allowed. I live in Rosendale and got hurt at work a few months ago, a bad sprain in my ankle that's just not healing right. The insurance company has been fine with me seeing a local doctor up until now, but last week I got a letter saying they want me to travel all the way to Albany to see one of their specialists for an evaluation. That's over an hour drive each way, and I'm still having trouble putting weight on my ankle for long periods. I don't have a car right now because mine broke down and I've been relying on family to get me to my local appointments. I told the adjuster that this wasn't really feasible for me right now and she basically said if I don't go, they're going to suspend my benefits. I've been trying to figure out if I have any say in this or if they can just send me wherever they want regardless of what it costs me or how far it is. I found a Rosendale Workers Compensation Lawyer online and I'm thinking about giving them a call because this whole thing feels like they're just trying to make it as hard as possible for me to get the care I need. Has anyone dealt with this where the insurance company tried to send you to a doctor that was really far away? Were you able to push back and get someone closer? I'm already stressed about my ankle and now I have to worry about figuring out how to get to Albany when I can barely get to the pharmacy down the street.