Originally published: December 2025 | Reviewed by Perry Morrison
In North Carolina workers’ comp cases, your employer or its insurance company usually picks the doctor who treats your work injury. They are entitled under the law post-2011 to direct your medical care. You can’t simply choose your own doctor and expect workers’ comp to pay for it.
That doesn’t mean you’re stuck forever. This guide explains how doctor selection works, when you can ask for a different physician, and what to do if your treatment isn’t helping.
Many injured workers feel frustrated by this lack of control. They wonder if they can get a second opinion, switch doctors, or see their regular physician instead.
Getting a grip on the rules about doctor selection in North Carolina workers’ comp cases is essential. It helps you know your rights and what you can actually do if you aren’t happy with your care.
This guide breaks down how the workers’ compensation system manages medical care in North Carolina.
You’ll see when there are exceptions, how to ask for a different doctor, and what to try if your treatment just isn’t cutting it.
In most North Carolina workers’ compensation claims, the employer or its insurance company chooses your initial treating doctor.
You generally can’t switch to your family doctor and expect workers’ comp to pay for it. If your care isn’t working, you may request a new doctor or a second opinion through the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
North Carolina law gives employers and their insurance carriers the right to pick your treating physician for any workers’ compensation claim.
This all changed in 2011 when the North Carolina Legislature took away workers’ rights to choose their own doctors after work-related injuries.
Under N.C.G.S. § 97-25, the employer or their insurance company picks the initial treating physician by law. That means the insurance company that handles your claim also directs all your medical care for the injury.
The insurance company decides on:
If you don’t like your assigned doctor, you can ask the Industrial Commission for a different physician if your treatment isn’t working. Still, the employer has the final say on who you see.
Emergency medical care is different from regular workers’ comp treatment. If you need immediate help, just go to the nearest ER or urgent care—don’t wait for your boss to approve it.
Once things settle down, the employer’s insurance company steps in and takes over medical decisions. You’ll have to switch to the doctor they pick for ongoing care.
This matters because emergency treatment gets covered no matter where you go. But if you keep seeing a doctor who isn’t approved after the emergency, you could run into claim headaches.
Going to your own doctor for a work injury can really mess up your workers’ comp coverage. The insurance company probably won’t pay for treatment from a doctor they didn’t authorize. Sometimes, they may claim that you have “left” the Workers Compensation Program and forfeited future benefits.
If you see your own doctor without approval, here’s what can happen:
Insurance companies get to direct and control medical treatment after a claim is accepted. Even if you’ve seen your regular doctor for years, using them without permission can put your coverage at risk.
Morrison Law Firm helps injured workers across North Carolina protect their medical care and wage benefits after a job injury. If your workers’ comp doctor isn’t listening, contact us today.
If you’re ready to get started, call us now!
Under North Carolina law, the workers’ comp insurance company typically directs your medical treatment once your claim is accepted. That means they schedule appointments with authorized doctors and specialists.
You must generally follow this network to have bills covered, unless the Industrial Commission approves a different doctor or the insurer unreasonably delays treatment.
North Carolina law gives employers the right to pick your workers’ comp doctor once you tell your boss or HR about your injury.
The employer or their insurance company decides who treats you under the Workers’ Compensation Act. This covers your first doctor visit and any follow-up care.
In 2011, the law changed. The Legislature, under pressure from insurance companies, took away the workers’ right to choose their own doctors after a work injury.
Now, insurance providers pick which primary doctors you can see. They also control access to specialists and follow-up providers.
An authorized treating physician is a doctor your employer or their insurer picks and approves to treat your work injury. You have to see this doctor to keep your workers’ comp benefits going.
The employer or insurance company picks the initial treating physician under state law (N.C.G.S. § 97-25). That doctor is the authorized provider for your claim.
If you see a different doctor without approval, the insurance company might refuse to pay for it.
You could even lose other benefits. All your medical care needs to go through the authorized physician or someone your insurer approves.
Sometimes you really need to see a specialist for your injury. Your authorized doctor might recommend it, but the insurance company still decides if you actually get that referral.
If the insurer drags their feet, your condition could get worse. You can’t just book your own appointment with a specialist and expect insurance to cover it.
If the insurance company flat-out refuses the referral, your options are limited. You can ask for a second opinion, but it has to go through the right channels. If your treatment feels inadequate, you can request to see a different doctor within the approved network.
Sometimes, you might need legal help to get the care you need if the insurance company keeps delaying or saying no.
You can see your own doctor for a North Carolina work injury, but workers’ comp might not pay for those visits if the doctor isn’t authorized. Sometimes it makes sense to use your family doctor only for a second opinion on the rating.
Talk to a workers’ comp lawyer before switching, so you don’t accidentally jeopardize your benefits.
If you go to your regular doctor without your employer’s okay, you take on a big financial risk. The workers’ comp insurance company will almost always refuse to pay those bills since they didn’t approve the treatment.
Under the current North Carolina workers’ comp law, the insurance company usually decides who treats your work injury.
Self-referring also disrupts your documentation. Medical records from unauthorized visits may not constitute valid evidence for your claim. The insurance company can argue those visits weren’t work-related or even necessary.
If you see your own doctor, the insurance company might question your whole claim. They could use those unauthorized visits as proof that your injury isn’t as serious as you say, or that you aren’t following the rules.
A few key areas of a workers’ compensation claim can really take a hit if you go to your personal doctor without approval.
Health insurance companies almost always deny payment for medical care they disapprove of. That means you may have to pay out of pocket for any visits to your own doctor. Those bills can pile up fast, especially if you need tests, prescriptions, or see a specialist.
You can’t go back and ask for reimbursement later. Even if your treatment was necessary, North Carolina law usually allows the employer or their insurance company to select your initial treating physician.
Medical opinions from unauthorized doctors don’t hold much weight in workers’ compensation cases. If your personal physician gives you work restrictions or a disability rating, the insurance company will probably reject those findings outright.
The authorized treating physician’s opinion really matters most when it comes to benefits. Their views on your work capacity, treatment, and permanent impairment shape claim decisions and settlements.
If an unauthorized doctor’s opinion clashes with the authorized physician’s findings, that can hurt your credibility. Insurance adjusters might claim you’re doctor shopping or exaggerating your symptoms.
Disability ratings from unauthorized doctors don’t count for permanent partial disability benefits. North Carolina workers’ compensation law only recognizes ratings from authorized providers.
Personal doctors can still help, as long as you’re careful. You can share your medical history and records with the authorized treating physician to ensure they have the full picture.
Your own doctor might know about pre-existing conditions or past treatments that matter. That context can help the authorized physician make better choices about your care.
Ask your personal doctor to send any relevant records straight to the authorized provider. That way, nothing gets lost in translation.
Sometimes, you can ask the insurance carrier for permission to get a second opinion from another doctor. This is especially important if you’re facing surgery, since that’s a big step. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you make this request the right way.
Your personal physician can also stick to treating unrelated health issues. Let them handle everything not tied to your workplace injury, while the authorized doctor manages the workers’ comp side.
If your workers’ comp doctor in North Carolina isn’t listening, minimizing your pain, or refusing needed care, you can request a new doctor by filing a motion to change the authorized treating physician.
Often, the first step is asking the adjuster in writing. If that fails, your lawyer can file a motion with the NC Industrial Commission asking a judge to approve a different treating physician.
Inadequate treatment is the top reason people look for a new doctor. Maybe your doctor refuses to order tests, dismisses your pain, or won’t refer you to specialists when you need one.
Rushed appointments are another bad sign. If your doctor barely examines you or ignores your concerns, the quality of care just isn’t there.
Pressure to return to work too soon is a big red flag. Some doctors, especially those who mostly work with insurance companies, might care more about saving money than your recovery.
Conflicts of interest show up when your doctor seems more interested in pleasing the insurance company than helping you heal. Downplaying your injuries or refusing to document your symptoms? That’s a problem.
The North Carolina Industrial Commission handles requests to change doctors. Knowing the right order of steps can help you avoid delays.
Start by talking to your current doctor about your concerns. Put these conversations in writing. Sometimes, you can work things out without switching doctors.
If things don’t improve, contact the insurance adjuster for your claim. Make your request in writing and explain why you need a new doctor. Save every piece of correspondence.
If the insurance company says no, file a motion with the NCIC. You’ll need to show that the change is necessary for your recovery.
Written records make your case stronger. Keep a detailed journal of every appointment, including dates, times, and what happened at each.
Watch for specific problems like:
Save all your medical records, prescriptions, and billing statements. These show patterns of bad care. If your doctor doesn’t document visible injuries, take photos yourself.
Request copies of your medical files regularly. Compare your memory of appointments with what’s in the chart. If there are significant differences, that can help your case for a new doctor.
Send your request for a new doctor to the insurance adjuster in writing. Email works, but certified mail gives you proof they got it.
Include in your letter:
Keep copies of everything you send and receive. This paper trail can be crucial if you need to go to the Industrial Commission.
If you don’t hear back in two weeks, follow up in writing. Remind them about your original request and ask for a decision timeline.
If the insurance company won’t budge, the North Carolina Industrial Commission is your next stop. You have to show that switching doctors is medically necessary.
Filing means completing the forms available on the NCIC website. Attach all your documentation showing problems with your current doctor, plus copies of your requests and the insurer’s denials.
The NCIC holds a hearing (usually initially over the telephone) where you and the insurance company present your sides. You’ll need to explain why your doctor isn’t helping you recover.
A deputy commissioner reviews the evidence and decides. It can take a while, so don’t wait too long if you know you need a change.
A North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer knows what evidence persuades the Industrial Commission. They can organize your medical records to highlight gaps and poor care.
Experienced attorneys present your case more effectively than most people can on their own. They’ll challenge weak arguments and cross-examine insurance company witnesses.
Lawyers are especially helpful with complicated medical issues. They can bring in medical experts to review your records and testify about what’s missing or wrong with your treatment.
They also handle the paperwork and deadlines that trip up people without legal training. Missing a deadline or using the wrong form can ruin your request. Legal help keeps everything on track with the NCIC.
Suppose a workers’ comp doctor chosen by the insurance company is rushing you back to work or denying needed treatment. In that case, Morrison Law Firm can review your options and protect your rights—schedule an appointment.
If you’re ready to get started, call us now!
Workers in North Carolina have the right to request a second medical opinion, but insurance companies might require an independent medical exam (IME) to check your claim.
These evaluations often decide big things—like whether you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), when you can return to work, and what your permanent disability rating is.
A second opinion and an IME aren’t the same. A second opinion lets you see a different doctor if you disagree with your current doctor’s plan or diagnosis.
An IME happens when the insurance company wants its own evaluation. They pick and pay the IME doctor, and you don’t get to choose who examines you.
The main difference? Who asks for it? Who pays for it? You can request a second opinion if you want another perspective, but under 97-25 the insurance carrier must approve your choice.. The insurance company orders IMEs when they’re skeptical of your treating doctor’s findings.
An impairment rating measures your percentage of permanent disability and directly affects your compensation. When you hit maximum medical improvement, your treating doctor assigns this rating.
If you think your rating is too low or unfair, you can get a second opinion. Another doctor might see your records and condition differently. A higher rating means more permanent disability benefits. Usually, the WC carrier will not contest your choice for a second opinion on a PPD rating.
The second-opinion doctor reviews your records and examines you. Their findings support your appeal if you think the initial rating missed something important.
Insurance companies use independent medical exams to get their own take on your injury. They pay for the IME and set the appointment. You have to go, or you risk losing your benefits.
The IME doctor reviews your records and conducts a quick exam. They usually focus on whether you’ve reached MMI or can go back to work. The doctor writes a report that the insurance company uses for benefit decisions.
You can’t bring your lawyer into the IME exam itself. Still, let your attorney know right away if you get an IME notice. The whole thing usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and only covers your work injury. The WC carrier pays for the exam, and it usually receives that for which it pays.
If your doctor recommends surgery, a second opinion is a good idea. Surgery is a big deal—there are risks, and you’ll need time off to recover. Another surgeon might suggest different options or confirm that you really need the operation.
Return-to-work disputes are common when doctors disagree about what you can handle.
Maybe your treating physician says you’re ready for full duty, but you’re still in pain. A second opinion can document your ongoing problems and help protect your benefits.
If you get a low permanent partial disability rating and it doesn’t match how bad your injury feels, push for another evaluation. Medical opinions about MMI can also change how long your benefits last.
Insurance companies often send injured workers to IME doctors who tend to favor the insurer.
These doctors might play down your injury or say you’ve reached MMI before you really have. The company then uses its reports to cut or stop your benefits.
IME reports can contradict what your treating doctor says. If that happens, the insurance company may deny more treatment or disability payments. You’ll have to fight these decisions, and it’s not easy alone.
Common IME tactics include:
Having a lawyer helps you get ready for IMEs and push back against unfair reports. Attorneys can challenge biased evaluations before the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
They’ll gather evidence from your treating doctors and medical records to counter questionable IME findings.
If your NC workers’ comp doctor sends you back to work too soon or with restrictions your employer ignores, you’re not powerless.
Document your symptoms, keep copies of work notes, and report unsafe duties in writing. You may need a second opinion or hearing to prove you’re still disabled under North Carolina law.
A doctor might release an injured worker to light duty with specific restrictions. But that doesn’t mean the employer actually has safe, suitable work to offer.
Light duty usually involves modified tasks. It often comes with limits on lifting, standing, and other physical activities.
The real trouble starts when employers have no positions that fit these restrictions. Some companies push injured folks into jobs that go beyond their medical limits.
Other employers just don’t have any modified work at all. That leaves workers in a tough spot.
Suitable employment under the North Carolina workers’ compensation law must match a worker’s physical abilities. If there’s no appropriate job available, the worker should continue receiving temporary disability benefits.
It’s never a good idea to accept assignments that break medical restrictions, even if the boss applies pressure. You should not perform duties that violate your medical restrictions.
Some employers ignore work restrictions or pressure injured workers to do more than they should. That puts people at real risk for getting hurt again and can really mess up their claims.
It’s smart to document every time someone asks you to break your restrictions. Keep copies of the doctor’s release forms and write down the tasks your employer wants you to do.
Email is a simple way to create a clear paper trail.
If the employer keeps pushing, refuse unsafe tasks and report the situation to the workers’ compensation insurance carrier right away. At this point, calling a workers’ comp attorney makes a lot of sense.
A good attorney can step in, protect your rights, and ensure you receive the appropriate accommodations.
Employers and their insurance companies pick the treating doctor in North Carolina. Still, workers have some choices.
If your assigned doctor downplays your injuries or rushes your recovery, it’s time to act. You shouldn’t have to settle for care that doesn’t feel right.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you get a second opinion. You can’t just switch doctors on your own; you’ll need to follow the proper legal steps.
The North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) can help when there’s a dispute about medical treatment or work releases.
Consider these options if your doctor ignores real pain, overlooks medical evidence, or sends you back before you’re ready. Trust your gut—sometimes you know your body best.
Returning to work too soon can really hurt a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina. Insurance companies often use early returns as proof that injuries weren’t that serious or have healed.
Your physical health takes the biggest hit. If you go back before you’re ready, re-injury becomes much more likely. Sometimes a minor injury turns into something chronic that never quite goes away.
Legally, returning before you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) can interrupt your benefits. Insurance carriers might argue that you can do your regular job and try to cut off compensation.
If you get hurt again, they’ll question whether it’s from work or just a pre-existing condition. That can create unnecessary disputes and put your health at risk.
So, follow your doctor’s advice. Write down any worries you have about being released too soon.
That way, you’re protecting both your health and your rights to benefits. Sometimes, being careful now saves a lot of trouble later.
In North Carolina workers’ comp cases, employers and their insurance companies control who treats your work injury. You can’t simply choose your own doctor and send the bills to workers’ comp.
That doesn’t mean you’re powerless. If your care isn’t helping, you can ask for a different doctor, seek second opinions on disability ratings, and challenge unsafe return-to-work decisions through the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
The rules are technical, and timing matters. If you’re unhappy with your workers’ comp doctor or worried about losing benefits, it’s worth talking with a North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney before making big medical or settlement decisions.
If you’re worried about switching workers’ comp doctors or losing benefits, talk to Morrison Law Firm, P.L.L.C. about your North Carolina claim and get clear next steps—contact us now.
Can I choose my own workers’ comp doctor in North Carolina?
In most North Carolina workers’ comp cases, your employer or its insurance company chooses the treating doctor. You generally can’t pick your own physician and still have workers’ comp pay the bills.
Can I see my own doctor for a work injury and still get workers’ comp in NC?
You can see your own doctor, but workers’ comp usually won’t cover treatment from an unauthorized provider. Those visits may have to be covered by your health insurance or paid out of pocket.
Who chooses the treating doctor in a North Carolina workers’ compensation claim?
Under North Carolina law, the employer or its workers’ comp insurer normally directs your medical care and selects the authorized treating physician. That doctor’s opinions carry the most weight in your claim.
Can my employer force me to see their workers’ comp doctor in NC?
Your employer can’t physically force you to go, but benefits are tied to treating with the authorized doctor. If you refuse reasonable appointments, the insurer can try to suspend wage and medical benefits.
How do I change my workers’ comp doctor in North Carolina?
First, ask the adjuster in writing to approve a different doctor or a second opinion. If they refuse, you or your lawyer can request a change through the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
Are there times I can choose my own doctor in an NC workers’ comp case?
Yes, you may choose your own doctor in true emergencies or when your employer fails to promptly direct medical care. The Industrial Commission can also approve your chosen provider as authorized in some situations.
Can I get a second opinion if I disagree with the workers’ comp doctor in North Carolina?
You may be able to get a second opinion, especially on permanent disability ratings or major treatment decisions, such as surgery. It’s important to follow the proper request process so the opinion actually counts in your case.
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