Workers could choose a doctor for workplace injury care

A worker may choose a qualified doctor for initial treatment and later designate that doctor or another qualified doctor as the treating physician. This applies to a worker seeking care for a compensable injury or occupational disease. The chosen doctor must agree to the treating physician's required duties, and the insurer may verify that agreement. After accepting liability, the insurer may designate or approve a doctor who agrees to those duties. The worker may choose before the insurer designates or approves a doctor, or directs the worker to a care network. The worker may designate a doctor again after initial treatment and diagnosis.

An insurer may direct a worker to a managed care or preferred provider organization for a treating physician. This applies to workers directed to a managed care or preferred provider organization for workers' compensation care. After individual written notice, the worker generally must receive care through the designated organization unless the insurer authorizes care elsewhere. Workplace postings do not count as individual notice. Notice must be given to the worker by mail or in person after the injury or occupational disease. The network rules apply after the worker receives individual written notice following the injury or occupational disease.

The insurer must pay for immediate emergency care at 100% of the department's fee schedule, even when the provider is outside the designated organization. This applies when a worker needs immediate emergency care outside a designated managed care or preferred provider organization. The emergency care must be for a compensable injury or occupational disease. The payment rule applies when immediate emergency care is needed for a compensable injury or occupational disease.