{"id":414075,"date":"2026-10-05T15:53:03","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T20:53:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=414075"},"modified":"2026-10-05T16:49:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T21:49:21","slug":"can-i-see-my-own-doctor-for-a-workers-comp-claim","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/can-i-see-my-own-doctor-for-a-workers-comp-claim.html","title":{"rendered":"Can I See My Own Doctor for a Workers’ Comp Claim?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can I See My Own Doctor for a Workers' Comp Claim?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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Whether or not you can see your own doctor<\/span> for a workers\u2019 compensation claim depends on state law. In many states, you must initially consult an employer-designated physician or a medical provider network<\/span> (MPN<\/span>) doctor to cover your medical expenses. However, predesignating your doctor or requesting a switch after an initial period may allow you to transition to your own healthcare provider<\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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If you get hurt at work, you may prefer to see your own doctor. Your doctor knows the most about your health and medical conditions. Applying for workers\u2019 compensation insurance may limit your choice of healthcare providers.<\/span><\/p>\n

State laws<\/span><\/a> vary as to whether you can use your personal physician or a company doctor after a workplace injury. In some cases, you must use a company doctor first, but can request your own doctor later. We\u2019ll review the three most common state systems and discuss other ways to choose a doctor after a work-related injury.<\/span><\/p>\n

State Systems for Choosing Doctors<\/b><\/h2>\n

Workers\u2019 compensation billing is done through the state workers\u2019 comp board. This is one reason why insurance companies require injured workers to see approved doctors. It helps ensure that all billing follows state regulations. In some states, you retain the right to change doctors or get second opinions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regardless of where you live, you\u2019ll need to see a doctor as soon as possible after a work-related injury and report it to your employer within a certain time frame, usually 30 or 60 days. You must also notify the treating physician of the work-related injury. If you receive emergency care, follow up with one of these doctors, as required by your state\u2019s laws.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may be able to choose from three different systems. Let\u2019s take a closer look at each one:<\/span><\/p>\n

Employer\/Insurer Choice<\/b><\/h3>\n

In this system, your employer has a list of doctors or urgent care centers that will treat you after an injury. You must see a doctor or medical provider on this list for a diagnosis and initial treatment. This doctor begins the process of filing your workers\u2019 compensation benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may be able to change doctors after the initial period (30 or 90 days). Some states permit you to request another doctor if your employer is not using a certified Medical Provider Network (MPN), or if you are not receiving adequate care at the treating doctor\u2019s office. Consult a<\/span> workers\u2019 compensation attorney<\/span><\/a> if you want to change doctors after the first 30 days.<\/span><\/p>\n

Free Choice System<\/b><\/h3>\n

Some states give employees the right to choose their own doctors from the beginning. In most cases, you must predesignate your doctor before you are injured. When you sign your employment agreement or healthcare paperwork, you will be asked to designate your preferred doctor if you are injured on the job.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you can choose your own doctor, the doctor must agree to follow state workers\u2019 compensation treatment guidelines and billing regulations when treating you for a workplace injury. Most physicians know these requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medical Provider Network (MPN) System<\/b><\/h3>\n

An MPN is similar to a private health insurance PPO or HMO. You can choose physicians within a network of approved doctors and specialists in your state. The advantage of this system is that you can more easily transfer to a different doctor within the MPN if you are not satisfied with the initial doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

If You Disagree With the Company Doctor<\/b><\/h2>\n

You may not always agree with your doctor or with the prescribed medical treatment. In states where you can\u2019t readily choose your own doctor, you still have some options. You may want to discuss your alternatives with a<\/span> workers\u2019 compensation attorney<\/span><\/a>. Your options can include:<\/span><\/p>\n