When you’re injured at work, the doctor you see can make or break your workers’ compensation claim. In California, this doctor is called your Primary Treating Physician (PTP)—and their reports will shape your medical care, your benefits, and your long-term recovery.
But what if you’re unhappy with the care you’re receiving? What if the doctor downplays your injury or refuses to recommend needed treatment? Here’s what you need to know about choosing—and changing—your workers’ comp doctor in California.
What Is a Primary Treating Physician (PTP)?
A Primary Treating Physician is the doctor responsible for managing your treatment after a work-related injury. Their role is critical. The PTP:
- Diagnoses your injury
- Oversees your medical treatment
- Issues work restrictions
- Determines when you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
- Prepares reports like the PR-2 and Permanent and Stationary (P&S) report
- Provides opinions that determine the value of your benefits
California workers’ compensation judges and insurance companies rely heavily on your PTP’s reports when deciding your rights.
How Is a PTP Chosen?
There are three ways a Primary Treating Physician may be selected:
- Predesignation:
If you notified your employer before your injury that you wanted to use your personal physician, and that doctor agreed in writing, you may see them as your PTP. - Employer/Insurance Assignment:
If you didn’t predesignate, your employer or insurer may assign you a doctor from their Medical Provider Network (MPN)—a list of pre-approved physicians. - Panel QME (Qualified Medical Evaluator):
If there’s a dispute about your condition, a QME may step in—but they’re not the same as your PTP. QMEs resolve disagreements; your PTP provides ongoing care.
What If I Don’t Like My Assigned Doctor?
You’re not stuck. California law gives you the right to switch doctors, but how you do it depends on whether your employer has an MPN.
How to Change Your Primary Treating Physician
✅ If You’re Being Treated Within an MPN:
- You can switch to another doctor within the same MPN after your first visit.
- Ask for a copy of the MPN and list of doctors.
- Contact the claims adjuster or MPN administrator to make the change.
- You may have the right to an Independent Medical Review (IMR) if the treatment is denied.
✅ If Your Employer Does NOT Have an MPN:
- You may select a new doctor after 30 days from the date you reported the injury.
- The doctor must be willing to accept workers’ comp patients.
- The change must be communicated to the claims administrator in writing.
Signs You May Need to Change Your Doctor
You may want to switch physicians if:
- Your doctor minimizes your pain or condition
- They delay referrals to specialists or treatments
- You feel rushed, disrespected, or ignored
- Their reports don’t match what you’re actually experiencing
- They clear you for work too soon
Your doctor’s report has legal consequences—if it’s wrong or one-sided, it can cost you your health and your benefits.
How EFLL Helps Injured Workers Take Back Control
At Employees First Labor Law, we’ve helped thousands of injured workers find trusted doctors, challenge biased reports, and correct unfair treatment denials. We’ll help you:
- Understand your rights under the MPN
- Change your Primary Treating Physician
- Force insurers to honor your treatment plan
- Fight back if a bad report jeopardizes your case
Injured? Don’t Let a Bad Doctor Derail Your Claim.
The right doctor can make all the difference. If you’re unhappy with your care or your doctor’s reports are hurting your case, we’re here to help.
📞 Contact Employees First Labor Law today for a free consultation. Your health and recovery matter — and we’ll fight to make sure the law recognizes that.
📩 Click here to schedule your free case evaluation
📞 Call now — we’re ready to fight for you.
