Medical care
Medical provider networks (MPNs) and choosing your doctor
If your employer uses a medical provider network (MPN), you usually see an MPN doctor, but after the first visit you can switch to any doctor in the MPN you choose. If you predesignated your personal doctor in writing before the injury, you can be treated by that doctor. If there's no MPN or HCO, the employer generally picks the first doctor for 30 days, and after that you may switch to a doctor of your choice.
Is your employer in an MPN?
Most larger employers and insurers use an MPN, a list of doctors approved to treat work injuries (LC §4616). Your employer should give you written MPN information, including how to find doctors and the contact for the MPN's medical access assistant. You can also search the DWC's MPN information.
Your choices inside an MPN
- After your first visit, you can choose another treating doctor within the MPN.
- If you disagree with a treating doctor's diagnosis or treatment plan, you can request a second and third opinion from MPN doctors, and then an MPN independent medical review.
- MPNs must meet access standards, with doctors available within reasonable distance and appointment times. If the MPN can't provide a needed specialist, you may be allowed to go outside it.
Predesignating your own doctor
You can be treated by your own doctor (an M.D. or D.O., or a medical group) from the start if, before the injury, you told your employer in writing, your doctor has treated you before and agreed, and you had employer group health coverage. This is called predesignation. Do it now, before anything happens, if you'd like your own doctor.
No MPN or HCO
If your employer doesn't use an MPN or HCO and you didn't predesignate, the claims administrator can usually choose the first doctor. You may change doctors once within the first 30 days, and after 30 days you can switch to a doctor of your choice (LC §4600).
Why your treating doctor matters
Your primary treating physician decides your work restrictions, requests treatment, and writes the reports that determine temporary and permanent disability. A doctor who listens, documents your symptoms and writes thorough reports makes a real difference.
Getting paid for travel
You're entitled to reimbursement for reasonable travel to medical and medical-legal appointments and the pharmacy, including mileage, parking and tolls. The DWC rate is 72.5¢ per mile for travel from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2026, and 76¢ per mile for travel on or after July 1, 2026. Submit the DWC mileage form to the claims administrator with dates, addresses and receipts. Use the calculator below.
What to do next
- Ask HR for your employer's MPN information in writing.
- Pick a treating doctor you trust after the first visit.
- Log every trip: date, from/to, miles, parking.
- If treatment is denied, see utilization review and IMR.
Medical mileage reimbursement estimator
Sources
- DWC: Medical Provider Networks
- California Labor Code §4616 (medical provider networks)
- California Labor Code §4600 (medical treatment and travel)
- DWC-1 Workers' Compensation Claim Form and Notice of Potential Eligibility (PDF)
- DWC: Workers' compensation benefits and current rates (2026 table)
- DWC medical mileage expense form (PDF)
- DIR news release 2026-02: mileage rate 72.5 cents from Jan. 1, 2026
Official sources checked November 2026. Laws and rates change; check the source for the latest version.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different. For free help from the state, call the DWC Information & Assistance unit at 1-800-736-7401.