[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/choose-doctor-workers-compensation\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/choose-doctor-workers-compensation\/","headline":"Can I Choose My Own Doctor for Workers\u2019 Compensation in Virginia?","name":"Can I Choose My Own Doctor for Workers\u2019 Compensation in Virginia?","description":"For the most part, no. The Code of Virginia requires employers to provide a list of at least three doctors injured employees can see if they are hurt on the job. This is known as the employer\u2019s Panel of Physicians. Each of these doctors must be from a different medical practice. Only if the employer […]","datePublished":"2022-02-25","dateModified":"2026-06-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/author\/lee_bujakowski\/#Person","name":"Lee J. Bujakowski","url":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/author\/lee_bujakowski\/","identifier":14,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/32d306dfc4db908e985e4fd95a0b173c596037999536f596a6865095e06e39de?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/32d306dfc4db908e985e4fd95a0b173c596037999536f596a6865095e06e39de?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Marks & Harrison","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/logo.png","width":235,"height":87}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/doctor-xray.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/doctor-xray.jpg","height":668,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/choose-doctor-workers-compensation\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IbI7fDyCysY#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IbI7fDyCysY","name":"What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?","description":"http:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/\n\nFollow us on Facebook: \nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/marksandharrison\nFollow us on Twitter: \nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/mandhlaw\n\nContact us at http:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/contact-us\/","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/IbI7fDyCysY\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/IbI7fDyCysY\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/IbI7fDyCysY\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/IbI7fDyCysY\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/IbI7fDyCysY\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2017-06-23T15:07:41+00:00","duration":"PT47S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IbI7fDyCysY","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCRi1kc4BH8gI0V9M56V6WJw#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCRi1kc4BH8gI0V9M56V6WJw","name":"Marks & Harrison","description":"Marks & Harrison is one of the most recognized personal injury law firms in Virginia. Marks & Harrison provides comprehensive legal services to individuals who are victims of personal injury. The firm\u2019s 30 attorneys, along with a staff of more than 100, are based in 14 offices; the main office is in Richmond, regional offices are located around the Commonwealth, from DC, to Harrisonburg, to Tappahannock. Marks & Harrison has received numerous awards and recognition for its work on behalf of its clients. \n\nTo learn more about the firm and its attorneys, please visit: https:\/\/linktr.ee\/marksandharrison\nContact us at: http:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/contact-us","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/kg23-I7HYD-AR7DjeizOcvSEfNS6zJQTmbsLdBU0DAK1x7zxbnho3k6RvWQnx5X8BF41bq5w-w=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IbI7fDyCysY#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IbI7fDyCysY#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IbI7fDyCysY&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IbI7fDyCysY#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":365}]]},"about":["Workers' Compensation"],"wordCount":1152,"articleBody":"For the most part, no. The Code of Virginia requires employers to provide a list of at least three doctors injured employees can see if they are hurt on the job. This is known as the employer\u2019s Panel of Physicians. Each of these doctors must be from a different medical practice. Only if the employer provides no Panel of Physicians or an illegitimate panel can you select your own doctor.The doctor you choose to treat your work-related injuries will significantly influence your case. The doctor will determine whether your injury is work-related, your impairment rating, and when you can return to work. An experienced workers\u2019 compensation lawyer can review the Panel of Physicians and help you make the best selection. Your lawyer may recognize good doctors on the list and make a recommendation based on your particular situation. Or, they can ask other lawyers for a recommendation based on the panel.Work-related injuries and illnesses take a severe toll on thousands of Virginia workers every year. When you\u2019re injured on the job, the doctor who treats your injuries will play a key role in your treatment, as well as what workers\u2019 compensation benefits you may receive.With this in mind: Do injured workers have the right to choose their doctor in Virginia?The short answer is that injured workers do not have complete freedom to select their treating physician in a workers\u2019 compensation claim.The Virginia workers\u2019 compensation lawyers at Marks & Harrison can guide you through the workers\u2019 compensation process to get the best possible treatment for your injuries. Contact us now for a free and confidential claim review and advice about your best legal options.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan the Employer\u2019s Workers\u2019 Compensation Insurer Pick Your Doctor?As an injured worker receiving workers\u2019 compensation benefits in Virginia, you have some say over which doctor you can select to treat your injuries, but you are not allowed to choose any doctor you wish. According to the Code of Virginia, your employer and their workers\u2019 compensation provider must give you a list of at least three doctors to choose from if you\u2019re hurt on the job.This group of doctors is sometimes referred to as an employer\u2019s Panel of Physicians. If you sustain a work-related injury, you can select from any of the three or more doctors on the panel. Each doctor on the Panel of Physicians must be from a different practice.If your employer does not give you at least three doctors to choose from after a work-related injury, or if two or more doctors on the Panel of Physicians are from the same practice, then your employer\u2019s actions violate the law.Contact our workers\u2019 compensation attorneys right away if your employer pressures you to select a doctor from an illegitimate Panel of Physicians. If you can show that your employer did not provide an appropriate Panel of Physicians, you may choose your own doctor or have your employer provide a new Panel of Physicians that meets Virginia\u2019s workers\u2019 compensation laws.How to Select the Best Doctor from the Employer\u2019s Panel of PhysiciansIt\u2019s crucial to select the right doctor to treat your injuries if you sustain a work-related injury or illness. Your doctor will be the one who documents your injuries, sets your work restrictions (if necessary), and provides other vital pieces of evidence in your workers\u2019 compensation claim.Here are a few factors to keep in mind when selecting a doctor from your employer\u2019s Panel of Physicians:Does the doctor have the skills and experience to treat your injuries? Work-related injuries and occupational illnesses run the gamut from broken bones and burns to traumatic brain injuries and cancer. Different injuries and conditions require different skills to treat, so you want to make sure your chosen doctor can treat your injury or illness. Take time to look at each doctor\u2019s background so you can find the doctor best suited for your case. It may also be worthwhile to look at their reviews and see what other patients say.How comfortable is the doctor when it comes to determining a cause for your injuries? For you to claim any workers\u2019 compensation benefits in Virginia, your doctor will need to indicate that your injuries were work-related as well as identify the specific injuries you\u2019ve suffered. Not all doctors are comfortable with these cases, making them hesitant to support your claim for benefits. Try to find a doctor who is willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.Is the doctor willing to work with your workers\u2019 compensation attorney? For you to reach the best possible outcome in your workers\u2019 compensation case, your doctor and your lawyer may need to work closely. Your doctor will need to keep your lawyer apprised of your treatment, any work restrictions you may be subject to, and other elements of your case as it progresses. Not all doctors are comfortable dealing with lawyers, especially workers\u2019 compensation attorneys, as they may not want to be dragged into litigation. Try to find a doctor willing to work closely with your lawyer.How Can an Attorney Help Me Choose a Doctor from the Panel of Physicians?It can easily be overwhelming if you\u2019ve never been through the workers\u2019 compensation claims process before. Suppose you\u2019re in the hospital after suffering a severe injury. In that case, you likely don\u2019t have the time or energy to thoroughly evaluate all the doctors on your employer\u2019s Panel of Physicians.That is where hiring an experienced workers\u2019 compensation lawyer can make a big difference in your case and your recovery. While you focus on healing, your attorney can review the Panel of Physicians to find the right doctor for your situation. Your attorney may already know a doctor on the list and have worked with them in the past. Even if your lawyer does not know or recognize any names on your employer\u2019s list, they can reach out to other lawyers in the area to look for recommendations.Do Doctors Treat Workers\u2019 Compensation Patients Differently?Every doctor is different, so it\u2019s hard to say whether all doctors treat workers\u2019 compensation patients the same or different. Many doctors are hesitant to take on workers\u2019 compensation patients because they don\u2019t want to deal with the necessary paperwork or they don\u2019t want to be dragged into litigation.If possible, you want to find a doctor who has experience with workers\u2019 compensation cases and is willing to work with you on your case. Your workers\u2019 compensation attorney can help you find the best option for your situation.Get Help from a Virginia Workers\u2019 Compensation Lawyer NowDo you have questions about finding the right doctor for your workers\u2019 compensation case? Contact Marks and Harrison Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free initial consultation with a Virginia workers\u2019 compensation lawyer."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Can I Choose My Own Doctor for Workers\u2019 Compensation in Virginia?","item":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/choose-doctor-workers-compensation\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]