Suffering a workplace injury means getting medical care fast—but do you have control over who treats you? In California, workers’ compensation laws establish strict guidelines on medical provider selection. A clear understanding of these regulations ensures you receive appropriate care while maintaining your benefits.
When can you choose your own doctor?
You may only select your physician if you have predesignated them before sustaining an injury. Predesignation requires submitting a written request identifying a personal physician before a workplace incident occurs. The physician must have an established history of treating you and must agree to handle workers’ compensation cases. If these conditions are met, you may receive treatment from your designated provider rather than from a physician assigned by your employer.
What happens if you have not predesignated a physician?
If you have not predesignated a physician, you must seek treatment from a provider within your employer’s Medical Provider Network (MPN). The MPN consists of physicians approved to treat work-related injuries. For the first 30 days following your injury, you are required to receive treatment from this network. After this period, you may have the option to request a change in providers, either within or outside the network.
Is it possible to change physicians during treatment?
Yes, but the ability to change physicians depends on whether your employer has an MPN. If an MPN exists, you must select another provider from the network. If no MPN is in place, you may choose any physician after 30 days. If you believe your current treatment is ineffective, you can request a second opinion from a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME).
What can you do if you disagree with your treatment?
If you believe your treatment is inadequate, you may challenge it through formal review processes. This can involve requesting a different physician or initiating an Independent Medical Review (IMR). A QME may also provide an evaluation to resolve disputes regarding the appropriate course of care.
Understanding the process for selecting or changing a treating physician ensures you receive proper medical attention while preserving your workers’ compensation benefits.
