(a) Upon notification to a miner of such miner's entitlement to
benefits, the Office shall provide the miner with a list of authorized
treating physicians and medical facilities in the area of the miner's
residence. The miner may select a physician from this list or may
select another physician with approval of the Office. Where emergency
services are necessary and appropriate, authorization by the Office
shall not be required.
(b) The Office may, on its own initiative, or at the request of a
responsible operator, order a change of physicians or facilities, but
only where it has been determined that the change is desirable or
necessary in the best interest of the miner. The miner may
change physicians or facilities subject to the approval of the Office.
(c) If adequate treatment cannot be obtained in the area of the
claimant's residence, the Office may authorize the use of physicians or
medical facilities outside such area as well as reimbursement for
travel expenses and overnight accommodations.
