Can You Choose Your Own Doctor After a Workplace Injury in California?

One of the most common questions injured workers ask after a workplace accident is whether they can choose their own doctor. Many employees already have a trusted physician and would prefer to receive treatment from someone who is familiar with their medical history.

Under California workers’ compensation law, the answer depends on several factors, including whether your employer has established a Medical Provider Network (MPN) and whether you took certain steps before the injury occurred.

Understanding your rights regarding medical treatment can help ensure you receive appropriate care while protecting your workers’ compensation claim.

What Happens Immediately After a Workplace Injury?

When a workplace injury occurs, employers generally have the right to direct initial medical treatment. In many cases, the injured worker will be referred to a doctor within the employer’s approved Medical Provider Network.

A Medical Provider Network is a group of healthcare providers authorized to treat injured employees under the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance plan.

If your employer participates in an MPN, treatment will typically begin with one of the network’s approved physicians.

Can You Choose Your Own Doctor?

In some situations, yes.

California law allows employees to predesignate their personal physician before an injury occurs. If certain requirements are met, an injured worker may be able to receive treatment from that physician following a workplace injury.

To qualify, the physician generally must:

– Be your regular doctor before the injury 

– Have previously treated you 

– Maintain your medical records 

– Agree in advance to treat you for work-related injuries 

If these requirements were not satisfied before the injury occurred, treatment will often begin within the employer’s approved network.

Can You Change Doctors During Treatment?

In many cases, injured workers may have the ability to change doctors within the Medical Provider Network.

If you are dissatisfied with your current physician, you may be able to select another doctor within the network without disrupting your claim.

The specific procedures can vary depending on the workers’ compensation insurance carrier and the available providers within the network.

Why Medical Treatment Matters

The treating physician plays a significant role in a workers’ compensation case.

Your doctor may provide opinions regarding:

– The nature of your injury 

– Necessary medical treatment 

– Work restrictions 

– Disability status 

– Future medical needs 

These opinions can directly impact the benefits available through your claim.

Because of this, it is important to understand your treatment options and follow all medical recommendations whenever possible.

What If You Disagree With the Doctor’s Findings?

Disagreements sometimes arise between injured workers and treating physicians.

For example, an employee may believe additional treatment is necessary, while the physician believes recovery is complete. In other situations, disputes may involve work restrictions or disability ratings.

When these disagreements occur, additional evaluations may be available to help resolve the dispute and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Understanding Your Rights

Medical treatment is often one of the most important aspects of a workers’ compensation claim. Knowing whether you can choose your own doctor, change physicians, or seek additional evaluations can help you make informed decisions throughout the process.

If you have suffered a workplace injury in Santa Ana, Orange County, or elsewhere in California, understanding your medical treatment rights is an important step toward protecting both your health and your workers’ compensation benefits.

Free 30-Minute Case Evaluation

If you have questions about your workers’ compensation claim or need legal guidance, contact Thomas F. Martin, PLC today for a free 30-minute case evaluation. Call (714) 547-5025 to discuss your case.