Who makes the initial choice of physician when an employee is injured at work in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, when an employee is injured at work, the injured employee has the right to make the initial choice of physician. This empowering decision allows the employee to select a healthcare provider who they believe is best suited to address their medical needs following a workplace injury.

While the employer and the insurance company may have certain roles in managing the workers' compensation process, including providing guidance on appropriate providers or networks, it is ultimately the injured employee’s choice to select the physician. This approach is in place to ensure that employees feel comfortable and confident in their medical treatment, which is crucial for effective recovery and return to work.

State regulations also support this choice, ensuring that employees are informed about their rights concerning medical treatment after a work-related injury. This ensures that the process is equitable and attuned to the needs of the employee, reinforcing the importance of the employee’s autonomy in their medical decisions.