Predesignation of Physicians

Following reforms in California’s workers’ compensation laws, many injured employees lost their right to be treated by a physician of their choice. Instead, they must be treated by a doctor designated by the insurance company handling their claim. In some cases, though, it is possible to obtain treatment by a doctor who is outside the insurer’s designated treatment network.

At Boxer & Gerson, LLP, we have represented thousands of injured workers since our founding in 1977. We understand the complex rules of the workers’ compensation system and how to use them to help our clients get the medical care, benefit payments and disability benefits they deserve.

If you have been injured on the job, we welcome the opportunity to talk with you. Contact Boxer & Gerson, LLP for a free consultation about your workers’ compensation case.

What Is a Pre-Designated Physician?

In certain instances, an injured worker has the right to name a particular doctor to be the primary treating physician in their case. The challenge, however, is that you must name the physician before you are injured.
You can pre-designate your physician if:

• Your employer offers group health coverage.
• The doctor has treated you in the past and has your medical records.
• Prior to the injury your doctor agreed to treat you for work injuries or illnesses.
• Prior to the injury you notified your employer that you want your doctor to treat you for a work-related injury or illness and provide the doctor’s name and address.

If you did not pre-designate a doctor before your injury, you must see a doctor from the insurance company’s network unless they have not adopted a medical provider network. Even if they have a network, however, you are still free to change doctors within the network.

How We Can Help

There are certain technical ways to obtain treatment from a physician who is outside the insurance company’s designated medical provider network. Boxer & Gerson, LLP has extensive experience in these matters. It is but one reason why we have become the largest law firm in Northern California representing workers’ compensation claimants. We are thoroughly familiar with the regulations regarding pre-designation, and we will work diligently to help you get the medical care and services you need to recover to the fullest possible extent.

Contact Us Today

Contact our firm for a free consultation about your workers’ compensation case.