Change of Doctor.

Occasionally an employee will initially treat with a doctor they don't really trust, often because the employer or insurer fraudulently tells the employee they must, or reaches a point where the initial doctor runs out of treatment options. The employee may then decide he or she wants to change to a different doctor.

If the employee has not treated with the first doctor on two or more occasions under circumstances where the doctor is directing and coordinating the employee’s care, that doctor is not considered the employee’s primary health care provider and the employee can change to any other provider of their choice without having to provide any reason.

After the employee has treated with the first doctor on two or more occasions, then the employee may change primary providers once within the first 60 days after initiation of treatment for the injury without having to provide any reason.

After the 60 day period has expired, the employee may still change primary providers but must prove that the change is in the best interests of both the employee and the employer.

Referrals from one provider to another do not require approval of the insurer.