Can I choose a worker's compensation doctor?

The laws have changed in California regarding worker's compensation. Many employers are becoming part of numerous Medical Provider Networks. These networks are similar to HMOs such as Kaiser Permanente. For example, if a person has Kaiser insurance, that person would see a doctor who works within the Kaiser network. Regarding worker's compensation, if your employer is part of a medical provider network, then typically you go to a doctor within that network. The medical network is supposed to have various doctor specialities such as neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, acupuncturist, etc. So a patient can pick what speciality they want to go see for treatment.

What if a patient disputes the medical opinion, or the treatment of the doctor they initially chose in the network? The patient can then choose any doctor in the network. If this repeats, then the patient can choose another doctor. If the patient sees three doctors, and disputes all three doctors, then the patient can request an independent medical review. The patient can also obtain a worker's compensation attorney, who can assist the patient in finding another doctor who can best help the patient with their industrial injury.

Worker's compensation can be a difficult and frustrating ordeal for the patient. However, if the patient educates himself or herself of the inner workings of the worker's compensation system in California, they can make the best choices possible in order to get the best care possible to achieve the goal of improving their physical condition as a result of their unfortunate industrial injury.