Can California Workers Choose Their Own Doctor for a Work Injury?

One of the most common questions injured workers ask after a workplace injury is whether they can choose their own doctor. In California workers’ compensation cases, the answer is yes—but with important rules and limitations. Understanding these rules is critical, because the doctor treating you often has a major influence on your recovery, work restrictions, and benefits.

This article explains when California workers can choose their own doctor for a work injury, how Medical Provider Networks (MPNs) affect that right, and what first responders should know about protecting their medical rights.

Understanding Your Medical Rights in California Workers’ Compensation

Your right to medical treatment is protected under California law. Specifically, California Labor Code §4600 requires employers to provide all medical care that is reasonably necessary to treat a work-related injury.

However, who provides that care depends on whether your employer uses a Medical Provider Network (MPN) and whether you took certain steps before the injury occurred. A broader view of these protections are explained in our supporting article: Your Medical Rights in California Workers’ Compensation Cases

When California Workers Can Choose Their Own Doctor for a Work Injury

California workers can choose their own doctor for a work injury in California under the following circumstances:

Scenario 1: Your Employer Does NOT Have an MPN

If your employer does not use a Medical Provider Network, you generally have the right to:

• Choose any qualified physician as your Primary Treating Physician (PTP)

• Change doctors if necessary

• Receive referrals outside of a restricted network

This gives injured workers more control over their care.

Scenario 2: Your Employer HAS an MPN

Most California employers have an MPN. If so:

• Your initial treatment must be with a doctor in the MPN

• You may change doctors at least once within the network

• If treatment remains inadequate, you may request:

  • A second opinion

  • A third opinion

  • An Independent Medical Review (IMR)

If the MPN cannot provide appropriate care, treatment outside the network may be allowed.

Scenario 3: Pre-Designating Your Personal Doctor

California allows workers to pre-designate their personal physician before an injury occurs — but only if certain conditions are met:

• You must have health insurance

• Your doctor must agree in advance

• You must notify your employer in writing before the injury

Pre-designation is especially valuable for workers in physically demanding or high-risk jobs.

What Happens If the Insurance Company Disagrees With Your Doctor?

If the insurance carrier disputes your doctor’s findings, it may request a Qualified Medical Evaluation (QME) to resolve the disagreement.

You can learn more about QME's for first respoders here: Qualified Medical Evaluations (QME): What First Responders Should Know

A QME can affect:

• Your diagnosis

• Your work restrictions

• Your disability rating

• Your future medical care

Special Considerations for First Responders

Firefighters, police officers, and EMTs often face added challenges when choosing a doctor due to:

• Complex injuries (cumulative trauma, PTSD)

• Presumptive injury laws

• Pressure to return to duty

• Department-preferred providers

First responders also benefit from special legal protections that can shift the burden of proof in their favor. You can read our California Workers’ Compensation for First Responders: Firefighters, Police, and EMTs article for more information with this specific scenario.

What If You’re Denied Treatment or a Claim Form?

If your employer or insurer refuses to authorize care or provide a DWC-1 claim form, that may violate your rights. Check out What to Do When Your Employer Refuses to Provide a Claim Form or Treatment for additional guidance.

When Should You Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

You should consider legal help if:

• You’re forced into an insurance-friendly doctor

• Your treatment is delayed or denied

• Your doctor minimizes your injury

• You’re unsure whether you can switch physicians

• You are a first responder with a presumptive or cumulative trauma claim

Choosing the wrong doctor can limit treatment, reduce benefits, and affect your long-term health.

Conclusion

Yes — California workers can choose their own doctor for a work injury, but the rules depend on employer networks, pre-designation, and dispute resolution procedures. Understanding these rules helps ensure you receive proper care and protect your workers’ compensation benefits.

If you’re unsure about your rights or facing resistance from an employer or insurer, professional guidance can make a significant difference.

Contact WCWCA

At West Coast Workers’ Comp Attorneys (WCWCA), we help injured workers and first responders protect their medical rights, choose the right doctors, and challenge improper denials.

Call 415-218-5634 or contact us here.

“This article was prepared by the WCWCA team and reviewed by Brittany Huynh.”