Choosing Your Own Doctor in an Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Case: What Are Your Rights?
In 2022 alone, the state recorded 70 fatal work-related injuries, a sobering reminder that what happens after a workplace accident can change your life forever. But when it comes to your recovery, who actually decides what doctor will treat you? If you want to make sure you get the care you need, reach out to Burton Law Group today for a free consultation with a top-rated Oklahoma City workers compensation lawyer. Your health—and your wage checks—deserve nothing less than the right doctor making the decisions.
Employer Picks the Doctor on Day 1
Oklahoma law authorizes the employer to schedule an initial visit with its preferred clinic or physician. The appointment must occur—or at least be set—within five calendar days, not business days, after the accident report reaches a supervisor.
Documentation of that date is essential, because it determines who pays future invoices. Insurers like this rule because favored doctors may issue work-release notes that limit expensive tests. Still, if you attend that first visit, insist on receiving copies of every chart note and imaging order so you retain leverage later.
You Pick the Doctor After Day 5
If your employer does not schedule your first appointment within five calendar days of your injury report, Oklahoma law gives you full authority to choose your own doctor. This right allows you to seek care from any licensed provider—even one outside the employer’s network—so long as your choice is reasonable for your condition.
Keep copies of all receipts, mileage records, and written notices sent to the insurance adjuster. If the insurer claims your care was “unauthorized,” emails or texts showing you followed the law are your best defense. Getting early, appropriate care can help speed your recovery and support your claim.
Your Automatic One-Time Change of Doctor
Oklahoma workers’ compensation law guarantees every injured worker one automatic change of physician, even if the employer was timely in scheduling the first appointment. To exercise this right, you must file CC-Form A with the Oklahoma Workers Compensation Commission and include your most recent medical documentation.
The judge typically reviews the request within 30 days and, if the new provider is appropriate, will approve the switch. Many workers use this opportunity to select a specialist who understands their specific injury, such as an orthopedic or trauma doctor. Consult with a skilled Tulsa workers comp attorney to maximize this important right and avoid unnecessary delays.
Choosing Beyond a Certified Workplace Medical Plan
For employees covered by a Certified Workplace Medical Plan (CWMP), the choices are usually limited to a pre-approved network. However, you may petition to go outside the network when no listed physician provides the specialty you need, travel would be excessive, or a network doctor won’t provide necessary care. This process requires a written petition and supporting medical evidence, citing CWMP rules from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. With the right preparation, approval can happen in as little as two weeks.
Emergencies Override the Rules Immediately
If your work injury is an emergency, such as a broken bone or severe trauma, Oklahoma law allows you to get immediate treatment at the closest emergency room without waiting for employer authorization. Once your condition is stabilized, the five-day scheduling rule resets for follow-up care.
If your employer does not act promptly after your discharge, you may continue treatment with the ER’s referral specialist. The insurance company remains responsible for those bills. Quick action by a knowledgeable attorney ensures ER doctors are paid and your recovery is not disrupted. Never hesitate to seek emergency help—state law protects you in urgent situations.
Switching Doctors Does Not Halt Wage or Mileage Benefits
Requesting a change of physician does not give insurers the right to stop your wage-loss benefits or mileage reimbursement. Temporary total disability (TTD) checks must continue as long as you are under authorized medical care. The law requires reimbursement for travel over 20 miles at $0.70 per mile for 2025 claims, even if you see a provider outside your city, as long as it is reasonable for your injury. Keep thorough mileage and expense logs, and submit them monthly to avoid missing out. If your payments are delayed, a prompt motion by your attorney can restore them and may result in penalties for the insurance carrier.
Get the Best Treatment After an Oklahoma Work Injury
Burton Law Group has protected injured Oklahomans, enforcing workers-comp rules that let you direct your own healthcare while the insurer covers every bill; if you want a doctor who prioritizes your recovery and an advocate who compels payment, contact us today.