Can I Choose My Own Doctor for Workers' Compensation?

There are numerous injured workers that are concerned about whether they are permitted to select their own medical doctor regarding workers' compensation. While there are some rules governing this process, most workers can select their own medical doctor. In this section, we will clarify your options, and any restrictions you may face with respect to selecting your healthcare professional.

Can My Employer Require Me to See a Workers' Compensation Doctor?

In many situations, the employer cannot dictate the course of medical treatment for a work-related injury. However, there are exceptions. For example, the employer may have some authority over medical treatment if the parties have some contractual relationship where the claimant and employer agree to employer-driven medical treatment (as example, professional athletes). An employer may also have some authority in its choice of medical treatment if it or its insurer is administering its workers' compensation claims under an approved managed care plan and has a finished healthcare provider network.

Can I Choose My Own Doctor?

Indeed, you typically maintain the authority and right to determine your own physician for purposes associated with obtaining benefits under workers' compensation. If you do not have a family physician, we recommend you visit any family physician who can provide a valid independent evaluation.

What Should I Do If I Don’t Like The Doctor Who Is Assigned to Me?

If your employer has assigned a physician to treat you and, as you believe, that physician is not providing you with appropriate medical care, you can and should seek a second opinion from a second physician. This is formally completed by an Independent Medical Evaluator under the Division (DIME). However, you cannot choose just any doctor, the doctor which is selected, has to be agreed upon by you, your employer, and the insurance company.

If It’s An Emergency

When you have an emergency, you may not have the opportunity to choose which doctor to visit. Again, regardless of which doctor you saw, the workers’ compensation will pay the medical costs associated with the emergency, such as the hospital emergency room visit or ambulance fees.

Final Thoughts

To summarize, while there are a few limitations, workers do have the option to choose their own doctor for workers' compensation. Knowing and understanding your rights and the mechanics involved in that process can benefit you and ensure you receive the medical care you desire as you recover. These articles intend to provide you comprehensive information about the rights of workers who become injured on the job related to the process of workers' compensation, right to file for Social Security Disability, right to hire an attorney, right to file against third parties, and to file a complaint with OSHA, and all the decisions and potential limitations associated with those rights including the process involved in deciding to choose their own doctor.