Can I Choose My Own Physician?

Yes.  Injured workers are allowed to see any physician they choose as long as the physician is a network provider and is conveniently located. (RCW 51.36.010(2)(a)).  Sometimes an employer may encourage or direct their employee to see a particular provider, but the worker is not required to see a particular provider. The attending physician however must be licensed in one of these areas: medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, chiropractic, naturopathic, podiatry, dentistry, optometry or advanced registered nurse practitioner (WAC 296-20-01002).

Injured workers are also allowed to change their attending physician if they wish by submitting a Change of Attending Physician Form to the Department or Self-Insured Employer.