Can You Choose Your Own Doctor for a Georgia Workers’ Comp Injury?

In general, no. In Georgia, your employer is supposed to have a valid panel of physicians, which is a list of approved doctors you choose from when you’re hurt at work. That means your first pick comes from the employer’s list, not your personal doctor. But there are important exceptions, and they depend on whether your employer followed the rules.

Posting the Panel Isn’t Enough

Many employers think hanging a list of doctors in the break room checks the box. Georgia law says otherwise. Your employer has to post the panel and explain it to you.

That explanation should make three things clear:

1. If you’re injured on the job, you need to see one of the doctors on the panel.
2. You can choose which doctor on the list you want to see.
3. You get one free change to another doctor on the panel.

If your employer never walked you through this, that matters for your claim.

When Can You Choose Your Own Doctor?

There are two main situations where the choice may be yours.

Your employer didn’t properly post and explain the panel. If they skipped that step, they’ve technically lost control of your medical care. Your attorney can then send you to any doctor for treatment.

Your employer doesn’t have a panel at all. Some employers simply don’t. In that case, you can pick your own doctor.

What Should You Do If You Never Saw a Panel of Physicians Posted?

Contact a Georgia workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can determine whether your employer complied with Georgia’s panel requirements and whether you have the right to choose a doctor outside the panel. They can also help you find a doctor with the right expertise to treat your specific injury.

How to Change Doctors Under Georgia Workers’ Comp

Not happy with the doctor you picked? Generally, you can make one change to another doctor on your employer’s valid panel without approval from your employer, the insurance company, or the State Board.

Here’s how to use your one free change:

1. Notify the claims adjuster in writing.
2. Name the new doctor you’ve chosen from the panel.
3. State that you are exercising your one-time change of physician.

An experienced attorney can help you weigh your options before you use that change and make sure the transition to your new doctor goes smoothly.

What If You Went to the ER or Your Own Doctor First?

Getting immediate care after a work injury does not automatically hurt your claim. Necessary emergency treatment for a covered work injury is generally paid through workers’ comp, even if the hospital or provider isn’t on your employer’s panel.

Once the emergency is over, though, follow-up care generally needs to come from an authorized physician.

A non-emergency visit to your personal doctor is a different story. It may not be covered unless that doctor is authorized or an exception applies, like your employer not having a valid panel. If you’re unsure whether a visit will be covered, talk to an attorney before you schedule more appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my own doctor for a work injury in Georgia?

Usually not at first. You generally must choose from your employer’s panel of physicians. You may be able to choose your own doctor if your employer has no panel or didn’t properly post and explain it.

What is a panel of physicians?

It’s a list of approved doctors your employer provides for work injuries. Your employer must post it and explain how it works.

How many times can I change doctors under Georgia workers’ comp?

Generally, you get one change to another doctor on the panel without needing approval. You make the change by notifying the claims adjuster in writing.

Will workers’ comp pay for my emergency room visit?

Necessary emergency treatment for a covered work injury is generally paid through workers’ comp, even if the provider isn’t on the panel. Follow-up care usually needs to be with an authorized physician.

What if my employer doesn’t have a panel of physicians?

If there’s no panel, you can pick your own doctor.

Don’t Assume You’re Stuck With the Wrong Doctor

Many injured workers believe they have no say in their medical care. That’s not always true. If your employer didn’t follow the rules, or you haven’t used your free change yet, you may have more options than you think.

The doctor treating your work injury plays a big role in your case. Their opinions can shape what treatment gets approved, when you’re expected back at work, and what benefits you receive. That’s why it pays to make sure you’re seeing the right doctor from the start.

It may be time to talk to an attorney if:

• You never saw a panel of physicians posted, or no one explained it to you.
• You’re unhappy with your current doctor and aren’t sure how to switch.
• You went to the ER or your own doctor and don’t know if those bills will be covered.
• You feel like your doctor isn’t taking your injury seriously.

At Poirier Law Firm, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for Georgia’s injured workers. We can review whether your employer followed the panel rules, help you use your change of doctor, and push for the care you need to recover. We work on a contingency fee, so you don’t pay unless we win! Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.