When you’re injured at work in California, one of the first names you’ll likely hear is Concentra — a national network of occupational health clinics that dominates the landscape of workers’ compensation treatment.
For many injured workers, Concentra is the default clinic assigned by the employer’s insurance company. But default doesn’t mean best. In fact, many workers report rushed visits, conservative treatment plans, and premature return-to-work authorizations — all of which can jeopardize your recovery and your claim value.
At Employees First Labor Law, we’ve helped thousands of workers navigate the Concentra system and transition to better doctors. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Concentra and Why Are You Sent There?
Concentra is a for-profit occupational medicine provider with dozens of clinics throughout California. Employers and insurers love using Concentra because it offers:
- Cost-effective care
- Employer-focused communication
- On-site drug testing, physicals, and injury care
- Streamlined MPN (Medical Provider Network) compliance
For the injured worker, that often translates to bare-minimum treatment, quick “return-to-work” notes, and limited referrals to specialists.
Most employers contract with insurance carriers that create an MPN — a limited list of approved providers. Concentra is usually front and center on these lists. When you’re hurt at work, your employer sends you to the “company doctor”— and that’s often Concentra.
Why Injured Workers Should Be Cautious About Concentra
Here’s what we’ve consistently seen at EFLL with Concentra-based treatment:
1. Minimal Diagnostics
Concentra doctors often avoid ordering MRIs, nerve conduction studies (EMGs), or other diagnostic tests that would confirm a more serious injury. This delays diagnosis and can be used against you in settlement negotiations.
2. Pressure to Return to Work Early
Even when your pain persists or your duties are physically demanding, Concentra may clear you for “modified duty.” If your employer doesn’t have modified work available, this can cut off your temporary disability (TD) benefits.
3. Denied Referrals
In many cases, necessary referrals to orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, or pain specialists are either not made or denied through utilization review (UR).
4. Rushed Appointments
Many workers report that Concentra physicians spend just 3–5 minutes in the room, rarely listen to the full history of the injury, and rely heavily on checklists rather than in-depth evaluations.
Your Rights Under California Workers’ Compensation Law
Even if you’re initially sent to Concentra, you’re not stuck there. You have rights under California law that allow you to take control of your care:
✅ Right to Choose a Physician Within the MPN
After your first visit, you have the right to select another doctor within the employer’s MPN — one who focuses on injured workers, not just employers.
✅ Second and Third Opinions
If you disagree with your treatment, you’re entitled to request second and third opinions within the MPN.
✅ Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) or AME Disputes
If treatment or diagnosis is denied, you can request a QME (if unrepresented) or an AME (if you have an attorney) to resolve disputes.
✅ Independent Medical Review (IMR) Rights
Any treatment denied through Utilization Review can be challenged through IMR. You have a strict 30-day deadline to file an IMR request.
How Concentra Can Undermine Your Claim Value
A rushed treatment plan that fails to document the true extent of your injuries can reduce:
- Your Permanent Disability Rating (PDR)
- The value of your future medical care
- Your ability to recover Temporary Disability benefits
- Your case settlement or trial award
Insurance companies often use Concentra records to argue that you’re healed, that no further treatment is needed, and that you’re able to return to work. That’s why it’s critical to get out of the Concentra loop early and work with a physician who prioritizes your recovery, not the insurance company’s bottom line.
What You Can Do If You’re Currently at Concentra
If you’re unhappy with your treatment or feel like you’re being rushed, here’s what to do:
- Get a copy of your medical records and work status slips
- Request a change of physician within the MPN (you are legally entitled to this)
- Document your symptoms, pain levels, and any functional limitations daily
- Call EFLL — we’ll immediately evaluate your rights, challenge any improper denials, and connect you to a real treating physician
EFLL Fights Back When Concentra Falls Short
At Employees First Labor Law, we:
- Transfer your care to a better doctor within or outside the MPN (if the MPN is invalid)
- Challenge improper return-to-work decisions
- Force the insurance company to authorize diagnostics and specialist referrals
- Build the strongest medical record possible to support a full-value settlement or trial
We don’t take shortcuts — and we don’t let your employer’s doctor dictate your outcome.
📞 Stuck at Concentra After a Work Injury?
You’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. If you’re receiving treatment at Concentra and you feel unheard, rushed, or denied the care you need, call EFLL today.
We’ll fight to get you into the right hands — and we’ll hold the insurance company accountable every step of the way.
