Key Takeaways
- In Georgia workers’ comp cases, employees usually must choose a doctor from the employer’s Panel of Physicians
- Employers are required to post a valid panel with multiple treatment options
- If the panel is invalid or not properly posted, you may choose your own doctor
- You generally have a one-time right to change doctors within the panel
- Treatment outside the panel may not be covered unless exceptions apply
- Knowing your rights early can prevent denied care and delays
What Is the Panel of Physicians?
In Georgia workers’ compensation cases, employers are required to provide a Panel of Physicians—a posted list of approved doctors that injured employees must use for treatment.
The panel is designed to:
- Give injured workers access to medical care quickly
- Allow some choice among providers
- Control costs for employers and insurers
If you’re injured on the job, your medical treatment typically begins with a doctor selected from this panel.
Do I Have to Use the Employer’s Doctor?
In most cases, yes—at least initially.
Georgia law generally requires injured workers to choose a treating physician from the employer’s posted Panel of Physicians. If you go outside the panel without proper authorization, the employer or insurance company may refuse to pay for that treatment.
However, this rule only applies if the panel is valid and properly posted. If it’s not, your rights change significantly.
What Makes a Panel “Valid” Under Georgia Law?
For a Panel of Physicians to be valid, it must:
- List at least six non-associated physicians
- Include one orthopedic surgeon
- Include one minority physician
- Be clearly posted where employees can see it
- Be accessible and up to date
If the panel is missing required doctors, outdated, or not posted where employees can reasonably see it, the panel may be invalid. An invalid panel can allow you to choose your own doctor at the employer’s expense.
Can I Change Doctors?
Yes. Georgia workers’ comp law allows injured employees a one-time change of physician from the panel without employer approval.
Important points:
- The change must be to another doctor on the panel
- Once used, this right is generally exhausted
- Additional changes usually require insurer or State Board approval
Because this is a one-time option, it should be used carefully and strategically.
When Can I See My Own Doctor?
You may be able to treat outside the panel if:
- The employer failed to provide a valid panel
- Emergency treatment was required
- The employer or insurer authorized outside care
- The panel doctors refuse or fail to provide appropriate treatment
- A judge orders a change of physician
These situations are fact-specific, and insurers often dispute them—making documentation and timing critical.
Getting Help With Workers’ Comp Medical Care
Problems with the Panel of Physicians are one of the most common issues in Georgia workers’ comp cases. Delays, denied care, or pressure to see certain doctors can seriously affect your recovery and benefits.
The Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines represents injured workers throughout Georgia, with offices in Atlanta, Austell, Gainesville, Jonesboro, Marietta, and Dalton. We help workers understand their medical rights, challenge invalid panels, and secure proper treatment.
Protect Your Right to Proper Recovery
If you were injured at work and are unsure whether you must use the employer’s doctor—or whether the panel is valid—don’t guess. A mistake can lead to unpaid bills or delayed recovery.
Call the Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines at 404-226-4236
We can review your employer’s Panel of Physicians, explain your rights, and help you get the medical care Georgia law allows.