Can employees choose their doctor?

Varies by state; some allow employee choice, others require using approved provider networks.

When an employee gets injured on the job, they may need medical attention and treatment as part of their workers' compensation benefits. Whether an employee can choose their own doctor largely depends on the state regulations where they work. In some states, employees have the freedom to select any doctor they prefer for their initial treatment. However, in other states, especially those with established network systems, employees are required to choose from a list of approved medical providers. This list is often provided by the employer's workers' compensation insurance company. The idea behind using a network of approved providers is to ensure that doctors are familiar with workers' compensation cases and can help manage claims effectively. It's important for employees to know the specific rules of their state or discuss with their employer or HR department to avoid potential issues with coverage.

Imagine Sarah, who works in a warehouse in California, injures her back while lifting heavy boxes. Sarah immediately wants to see her family doctor, whom she trusts. However, her employer's HR representative informs her that, according to California's workers' compensation rules, she needs to see a doctor from their provided list of approved medical providers if she wants her treatment to be covered. This means Sarah must select a doctor from that list, even though her initial inclination was to visit her family doctor.

If you get injured at work, first report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Then, find out what the rules are in your state regarding choosing a doctor for workers' compensation claims. Contact your HR department or workers’ compensation board to learn whether you need to select a doctor from an approved list or if you can choose your own. Doing this can save you time and prevent issues with your medical coverage later. Always prioritize your health by seeking prompt medical attention within the guidelines set for workers' compensation claims.