Medical Treatment Rights and Obligations

One of the primary benefits provided for workers’ compensation injuries is the right to medical treatment. The employer must provide all reasonable treatment related to the injury that is necessary to cure or relieve the effects of the industrial injury.

Because you are empowered to select the medical provider under some circumstances, it is important that you are familiar with your role in this process.

Predesignating a Personal Physician, Chiropractor or AcupuncturistPredesignating a Personal Physician, Chiropractor or Acupuncturist
Each employee has a right to designate a personal physician as well as a personal chiropractor and a personal acupuncturist. If an injury occurs, the predesignated physician becomes the medical provider for injury-related treatment.
Read about a new law for 2023.

Mandatory Utilization Review, Independent Medical Review, and the Appeal ProcessMandatory Utilization Review, Independent Medical Review, and the Appeal Process
Every employer must establish a utilization review process. The utilization review process is the process by which the employer or other contracted entity reviews and approves, modifies, delays or denies physician requests for authorization before, during or after providing medical treatment services. Utilization reviews can occur before, during or after medical treatment to determine if the treatment is warranted.