If you were injured on the job in California, one of the first things you’ll deal with is where to get medical treatment. And that’s where Medical Provider Networks (MPNs) come in.
Understanding how an MPN works — and your rights within it — can make or break your workers’ compensation case.
🔹 What Is a Medical Provider Network (MPN)?
A Medical Provider Network (MPN) is a group of healthcare providers approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. These doctors, clinics, and hospitals are pre-selected to treat injured workers.
The insurance carrier controls which providers are in the network. That means:
✅ You must treat within the MPN (with some exceptions)
✅ Your ability to choose a doctor is limited to the list of approved providers
✅ If your care is denied or delayed, you may need to challenge the treatment through Independent Medical Review (IMR)
⚖️ Are MPNs Legal in California?
Yes. California law allows employers to designate a Medical Provider Network. The rules are governed by Labor Code § 4616 and related California Code of Regulations.
However, MPNs must meet certain standards:
- Doctors must be licensed and qualified
- Providers must be geographically accessible
- The MPN must have a website and contact info for help navigating care
- Workers must be notified in writing that treatment will be through the MPN
👩⚕️ Can I Choose My Own Doctor?
That depends.
- If you pre-designated your personal physician before the injury, you may be able to treat outside the MPN.
- If not, you generally must use an MPN provider — but you can choose from the doctors within the network.
If you’re unhappy with your MPN doctor, you have the right to:
- Switch to another MPN physician
- Request a second and third opinion
- Dispute medical decisions through IMR
Need help changing your doctor? Talk to our team about your options.
🚨 What If the Insurance Company Doesn’t Have an MPN?
If your employer or insurer hasn’t established a valid MPN, you may be allowed to treat with your own physician — not one selected by the insurer.
This can significantly improve your treatment and your disability rating, because:
- Non-MPN doctors may be more objective
- MPN doctors often underreport severity or downplay injuries
- You gain more control over your care
If the insurer denies that their MPN is invalid, EFLL can help you challenge it through litigation or IMR.
🔹 Why Choose Employees First Labor Law?
At EFLL, we’ve helped thousands of injured workers:
✅ Challenge biased MPN reports
✅ Switch doctors after denied treatment
✅ Dispute MPN-based denials through IMR and litigation
✅ Maximize disability ratings and lifetime care
✅ Secure settlements that reflect your real condition — not what the MPN says
You don’t have to accept an unfair or incomplete medical evaluation just because it came from an insurance-approved doctor. We’ll make sure your rights — and your health — come first.
Contact Employees First Labor Law today for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless you win.
📞 Call EFLL now for a free consultation.
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