How long does an injured employee have to wait before they can go to their own doctor if their employer does not have a Medical Provider Network?

An injured employee is allowed to seek treatment from their own doctor if the employer does not have a Medical Provider Network (MPN) after a specified waiting period. In California workers’ compensation, the correct timeframe is 30 days. This period begins from the date the employee gives notice of the injury to their employer. After this 30-day period, the employee has the right to choose their own physician for further treatment, giving them more control over their medical care when an MPN is not available.

This provision exists to ensure that employees who do not have access to an MPN do not feel restricted in seeking necessary medical treatment. The regulation promotes prompt medical intervention, which is vital in supporting the recovery process.