Can I Choose My Own Doctor After a Work Injury in Colorado?
If you’ve been injured on the job in Littleton, Colorado, one of the first questions you might have is: Can I see my own doctor for treatment?
It’s an important question — and one that can have a big impact on your workers’ compensation claim.
Under Colorado workers’ compensation law, your right to choose your doctor is limited, and understanding the rules can help ensure you receive both proper medical care and the benefits you’re entitled to.
How Doctor Choice Works in Colorado Workers’ Compensation Cases
In most Colorado workers’ compensation cases, your employer or their insurance company chooses your treating physician — often referred to as the “authorized treating physician.”
When you report your injury, your employer must provide you with a list of designated medical providers. You can choose one doctor from that list to handle your treatment and manage your claim.
That doctor becomes the official provider for your medical treatment after a work injury and will be responsible for:
-
Diagnosing your injury
-
Recommending treatment and work restrictions
-
Referring you to specialists when needed
-
Determining when you can return to work
If your employer doesn’t provide a list of doctors, you may have the right to choose your own provider — but this must be handled carefully to avoid disputes later.
What Happens If You See Your Own Doctor Without Authorization
If you decide to see your personal doctor without prior approval, the insurance company may refuse to pay for those visits.
That’s why it’s important to follow the official process and document all communication with your employer about your medical treatment options.
In certain cases, especially if your employer fails to provide the required doctor list or delays your medical care, you might be able to switch doctors or request approval for a different provider. However, this often requires acting within the first several months of your claim and/or demonstrating that your current care is inadequate or not in your best interest.
When You Can Change Doctors in a Workers’ Compensation Case
Changing doctors after you’ve already started treatment can be challenging, but not impossible.
The Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation allows a change of physician if:
-
The authorized doctor is not providing appropriate care
-
You need specialized treatment your current provider can’t offer
-
Your employer failed to provide the required doctor list at the time of injury
- The change occurs within the first 90 days of your case, but the change is limited to one of the other providers on the original list of designated medical providers
These requests must be made formally, and documentation is key.
Why Following the Rules Protects Your Rights
Choosing the right doctor after a work injury is more than a medical decision — it’s a legal one.
Your treating physician’s opinions directly affect:
-
Your eligibility for wage replacement benefits
-
Your work restrictions
-
Your permanent impairment rating
By following Colorado’s workers’ compensation procedures from the start, you’ll have a stronger case and clearer path toward recovery.
Serving Injured Workers Across Littleton and the Denver Metro Area
The Law Office of Ryan J. Hoover, LLC proudly helps injured workers and families throughout Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Englewood, Lakewood, Centennial, and Douglas County understand their rights under Colorado workers’ compensation law.
Whether you’re recovering from a back injury, repetitive motion damage, or an accident on a construction site, knowing how medical treatment works under Colorado law is an essential step in protecting your health and your future.