Can I Choose My Own Doctor for Workers' Comp?

Yes. In New York workers’ compensation, you choose your treating physician, within the network of WCB-authorized providers. The carrier and employer cannot select your treating doctor. They can require you to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) with a physician of their choosing, but the IME doctor does not treat you — they only issue a report. The WCB-authorized provider network covers tens of thousands of physicians across specialties, including most major hospital systems. Some employers maintain Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) arrangements, but in most cases these are voluntary, not mandatory.

Yes — within the WCB-authorized provider network. The carrier does not pick your treating doctor.

TL;DR

• You choose your treating physician for NY workers’ comp — within the network of WCB-authorized providers.
• The carrier or employer can require an IME with their chosen doctor (separate from your treating relationship), but that doctor doesn’t treat you.
• Some employers have preferred provider organizations (PPOs) with negotiated arrangements — these are voluntary, not mandatory.
• If your employer or carrier tells you to use a specific doctor, that’s typically incorrect on the treating side.

The WCB-authorized provider system

Treating physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other providers who treat NY WC patients must be authorized by the WCB. The authorization system covers tens of thousands of providers across specialties — finding an authorized provider for your condition is usually straightforward.

The WCB maintains a searchable provider database. Many major hospital systems and large practice groups have authorized providers.

Treating physician vs. IME

These are different roles:

• Treating physician — your doctor. You choose. Provides ongoing care, submits C-4 reports, addresses pre-authorization, opines on causation and permanency for your benefit.
• IME — the carrier’s doctor. The carrier chooses. Issues a report, doesn’t treat you, opines for the carrier’s benefit.

The fact that you must attend an IME does not affect your right to choose your treating physician.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)

Some employers have PPO arrangements with negotiated provider networks. The legal framework around PPOs in NY WC is specific — you’re generally not required to use a PPO provider for treatment if you prefer to choose your own WCB-authorized doctor.

When in doubt about a PPO requirement, ask. Many “you must use this doctor” instructions from employers are not legally binding.

What I see go wrong

• Claimant uses an employer-suggested doctor without realizing they could have chosen their own — and gets an unfavorable causation note in the chart
• Treating physician isn’t WCB-authorized — bills get disputed
• Switching treating physicians without notifying the carrier — disrupts continuity, can affect medical authorization
• Multiple treating physicians for the same issue — creates inconsistent records

What to do next

Choose a WCB-authorized provider you trust, who is experienced with WC cases, and who documents thoroughly. If you’ve been directed to a specific doctor and have concerns, contact me directly.

Related pages

• What is an IME and can I refuse one?
• Will workers’ comp pay for surgery?
• What happens at a workers’ comp hearing?
• How long does a NY workers’ comp case take?