If you’ve suffered a work-related injury, you may be wondering whether you’re required to only see the doctors provided by your employer. In most cases, the answer is NO—you do have the right to seek medical treatment from a doctor or healthcare provider of your choice. However, certain Texas Workers’ Compensation rules and Non-Subscriber employer policies may attempt to limit your options.
At Sandoval Law Firm, PLLC, we fight to ensure that injured workers get the medical care they truly need—not just the care that benefits the employer. If your employer is forcing you to see their chosen doctor, or if you’re concerned about your right to treatment, we can help.
📞 Call now at (346) 347-7777 for a free consultation and take control of your recovery!
Do You Have to See Your Employer’s Doctor After a Workplace Injury?
- In most cases, you have the right to choose your own doctor.
- Your employer may initially direct you to their doctor, but that doesn’t mean you have to continue treatment with them.
- If your employer is a Texas Non-Subscriber, you may have even more options for medical care.
While some workers’ compensation policies may require you to see a company-approved doctor for an initial evaluation, you are NOT legally obligated to continue treatment with that doctor.
💡 Why Does This Matter?
Many company-approved doctors work for the employer’s insurance provider, meaning they may:
- Downplay your injury to get you back to work faster
- Deny or delay necessary treatments
- Clear you for work before you are fully healed
You deserve real medical care that prioritizes your health—not your employer’s bottom line.
Understanding Your Rights Under Texas Work Injury Laws
If Your Employer Has Texas Workers’ Compensation
If your employer subscribes to Texas Workers’ Compensation, they may require you to see a doctor within their network for the initial evaluation. However, you can request a change of doctor if you feel that:
✔️ The company doctor is minimizing your injury
✔️ You need specialized care not provided by their physician
✔️ You are not recovering properly under their treatment plan
💡 Key Insight: If you are covered under state-regulated workers’ compensation, you can request a different doctor through the Texas Department of Insurance – Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC).
If Your Employer Is a Texas Non-Subscriber
If your employer does NOT participate in Texas Workers’ Compensation (known as a Non-Subscriber employer), they cannot force you to see their doctor for ongoing treatment.
🔹 Examples of Texas Non-Subscriber Employers Include:
- Walmart
- H-E-B
- Home Depot
- Kroger
- Target
If your employer is a Texas Non-Subscriber, they likely have a privately managed insurance plan that allows them to dictate how work injury claims are handled. However, they cannot stop you from seeking an independent medical evaluation—and if they try, you may have legal grounds for a lawsuit.
Why Should You Choose Your Own Doctor After a Work Injury?
Many injured workers assume that the company doctor will act in their best interest—but this is rarely the case. Choosing your own doctor ensures that:
✔️ Your injury is properly diagnosed and documented
✔️ You receive the necessary treatment without employer interference
✔️ You are not prematurely cleared to return to work before you are fully healed
✔️ You have strong medical evidence to support a potential legal claim
💡 Important: If your injury is serious and your employer’s insurance provider is delaying or denying treatment, a Texas work injury lawyer can help ensure you receive the full medical care and compensation you deserve.
What Should You Do If Your Employer Is Trying to Control Your Medical Treatment?
1️⃣ Do NOT agree to treatment that seems rushed or insufficient.
2️⃣ Seek a second opinion from an independent doctor.
3️⃣ Document all conversations with your employer and their insurance provider.
4️⃣ Keep track of medical records, prescriptions, and missed workdays.
5️⃣ Contact a Texas Work Injury Lawyer if your employer is interfering with your care.
If your employer is a Texas Non-Subscriber, you may have the right to sue for full compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain & suffering.
Get Legal Help to Protect Your Right to Medical Care
If your employer is forcing you to see their doctor or denying you access to proper medical treatment, you don’t have to face this alone. At Sandoval Law Firm, PLLC, we fight for injured workers across Texas, ensuring they get the medical care and financial compensation they deserve.
📞 Call (346) 347-7777 today for a FREE consultation! Let’s ensure you receive the medical treatment you need—not just what your employer wants to provide.