Florida Workers’ Comp: Can You Choose or Change Your Doctor?

If you were hurt on the job in Florida, you may find that you didn’t get to pick your doctor. That is normal under Florida workers’ compensation law: the insurance carrier authorizes care. But the law also gives you a way to change physicians. Here is how it works.

Who chooses the doctor

In Florida workers’ comp, care has to be authorized by the employer’s insurance carrier. Florida Statutes § 440.13(3)(a) says: “As a condition to eligibility for payment under this chapter, a health care provider who renders services must receive authorization from the carrier before providing treatment. This paragraph does not apply to emergency care.”

That is why your first doctor is often one the carrier chose.

Your one change of physician

The law gives every injured worker one change. Section 440.13(2)(f) says: “Upon the written request of the employee, the carrier shall give the employee the opportunity for one change of physician during the course of treatment for any one accident.”

Three details matter:

• It must be in writing. A phone call is not enough; send a written request to the carrier.
• The carrier has 5 days. It “shall authorize an alternative physician who shall not be professionally affiliated with the previous physician within 5 days after receipt of the request.”
• If the carrier doesn’t act, you may choose. “If the carrier fails to provide a change of physician as requested by the employee, the employee may select the physician and such physician shall be considered authorized if the treatment being provided is compensable and medically necessary.”

It is one change per accident, so it is worth using carefully.

When people use it

You might consider it after a diagnosis that doesn’t match how the injury feels, treatment that isn’t helping, or when you want an orthopedic specialist for a knee, shoulder or other joint injury. A second opinion can also help you understand your condition before you decide.

What to bring to an orthopedic visit

• Medical records and any imaging (X-ray, MRI)
• Workplace notes and the incident report
• Your claim number and the adjuster’s contact details

How ELITE Sports Medicine helps

ELITE Sports Medicine evaluates and treats workplace orthopedic injuries in Port St. Lucie and Palm Beach Gardens, including:

• acute injuries and repetitive strain
• shoulder, elbow, wrist and knee injuries
• nerve compression such as carpal tunnel

The practice provides clear written work restrictions, return-to-work planning and the documentation a claim requires, and coordinates with employers and case managers. Workers’ comp care needs carrier authorization, so call 561-202-8886 with your claim details and the team will tell you what is needed to get you seen. Read more about workers’ compensation injury care.

This article quotes Florida Statutes § 440.13 as published for 2025. It is not legal advice; for questions about your claim, talk to your carrier or an attorney. Source: Fla. Stat. § 440.13 (Florida Senate).