Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, an injured worker may be required to treat with a company‑designated doctor during the first 90 days after a work injury—but only if the employer has strictly followed several legal steps.
Below is a clear explanation of when you must use a “company doctor,” when you can choose your own doctor, and what to do if a nurse case manager gets involved.
When Can an Employer Require Treatment With a Panel Doctor?
An employer can limit your doctor choice only if they meet all three of these requirements:
1. A properly posted list of at least six Panel Doctors
The employer must display a list of 6+ approved providers for the employee to choose from.
2. Written notice of your rights and duties—twice
They must give you written notice:
- When you are hired, and
- Again after the injury occurs
3. A good‑faith attempt to get your signed acknowledgment
The employer must try to obtain your signature confirming you received this information.
👉 If the employer fails any one of these steps, you are not required to treat with panel providers at all.
Important:
Even when an employer complies with the law, they cannot select a specific doctor for you. They can only require you to choose from the list—not dictate which one.
When Can I Choose My Own Doctor?
After 90 days
In most accepted cases, once the first 90 days have passed, you may treat with any doctor you choose, and workers’ compensation must pay for that treatment (as long as the claim is still open).
If you’re unsure whether your claim is still open, talk to an attorney. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act requires appropriate legal procedure to be followed to suspend or deny workers’ compensation benefits. An experienced attorney can quickly figure out whether you still have access to medical benefits. Do not rely on the insurance company’s word alone. Just because the claims adjuster states that your claim is closed does not mean the insurance company took the proper steps to close out your claim under the law.
When You Can Treat With Your Own Doctor Before 90 Days
Several situations allow you to go off‑panel immediately and seek treatment from a doctor of your own choice:
1. Seeking a Second Opinion for Surgery
If a panel provider recommends surgery, you may get a second opinion from any doctor you choose.
2. Employer Did Not Follow the Panel Provider Rules
If the employer failed to provide the list, the notices, or the acknowledgment form, you are free to choose your own provider from day one.
3. The Claim Was Denied or Not Accepted Within 21 Days
If you receive a denial—or if the employer did not accept the claim within 21 days—you can treat with any provider.
Nurse Case Managers: Do You Have to Let Them Attend Appointments?
No.
You are never required to:
- Allow a nurse case manager to attend medical appointments
- Permit them to sit in on exams
- Discuss your medical condition with them
- Share medical records with them
Nurse case managers are hired by the insurance company, and they represent the insurer’s interests—not yours. While some may help with scheduling, they are not your advocate.
If asked to join a medical appointment, you can politely decline. Likewise, a nurse case manager may also ask you to sign authorization forms that would give them access to confidential medical records. There is nothing in Pennsylvania Workers’ compensation law that requires you to share this information with a nurse case manager.