Can an injured worker select their own treating physician in California Workers' Compensation?

In California Workers' Compensation, an injured worker can select their own treating physician under certain conditions, which is why this answer is correct. The law recognizes the injured worker's right to choose their medical provider; however, this choice is subject to specific regulations.

Initially, the employer or their insurer typically provides a list of approved medical providers, known as a “Medical Provider Network” (MPN), from which the worker should select a physician. If an injured worker wishes to see a doctor who is not on that list, they can do so, but they must first obtain approval or meet certain criteria set by the law, such as notifying their employer and the insurance carrier about the choice.

This system aims to balance the needs of injured workers for appropriate medical care with the employers' interests in managing workers' compensation costs effectively. It ensures that even though there are limitations, workers still have a measure of autonomy in their medical treatment choices.

The other options do not accurately reflect the legal framework. For instance, while it is true that some employers may require using their company-approved doctor, it does not fully capture the circumstances under which an injured worker can select their own physician. Emergency situations alone do not dictate the selection issue, as the provision to