Ep. 147 - Can I choose my own doctor in California workers' compensation?

Ep. 147 - Can I choose my own doctor in California workers' compensation?

From Work Comp Talk Podcast by Work Comp Talk Podcast

February 24, 2026 · 25 min · Episode 147

About this episode

This episode discusses the rights of injured workers in California regarding their choice of doctors within the workers' compensation system.

Episode 147: Workers' Comp Doctor Rules in California, Your Rights Inside the MPN System If you were injured at work in California, your employer may send you to a specific doctor , but does that mean you have no choice? In this episode of Work Comp Talk , host Carmen Ramirez and attorney Bilal Kassam explain one of the most misunderstood parts of California workers' compensation: your right to choose and change your treating doctor. Many injured workers don't realize that the doctor managing their care can directly affect disability benefits, work restrictions, medical reports, and even settlement value. What Most Workers Don't Realize You don't always have to stay with the first doctor your employer sends you to. Your medical choices can change as your case progresses. The treating doctor controls more than treatment. They influence benefits, work status, and settlement value. The MPN limits options, but you still have rights inside the system. Denied treatment does not always mean denied benefits. Missing medical appointments weakens your case documentation. Early decisions in a workers' comp case have long-term consequences. Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Your Rights in…

People in this episode

Host: Carmen Ramirez

Guest: Bilal Kassam

Topics covered

  • workers' compensation
  • medical provider network
  • treating doctor rights
  • disability benefits
  • medical records
  • changing doctors

Keywords

  • workers' compensation
  • California
  • treating doctor
  • MPN
  • disability benefits
  • medical records
  • changing doctors
  • worker rights

Mentioned in this episode

Places: California

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