Can You Change Your Treating Doctor in a Connecticut Workers' Compensation Case?

At the Law Offices of James F. Aspell, P.C., we're getting this question more and more:

“Can I change my workers’ compensation doctor?”

The short answer? Almost never — and only with approval.

Many injured workers in Connecticut assume they can change treating doctors at any time, just like they might switch primary care physicians. Unfortunately, the Connecticut Workers' Compensation Act doesn't work that way. The rules are strict, and changing treating physicians can have major consequences for your medical care and your benefits.

Understanding Connecticut's Law on Treating Physicians

Under Connecticut General Statutes §31-294d(c), an injured employee is entitled to receive medical treatment from an authorized treating physician. The employer (or its workers' compensation insurance carrier) usually controls the initial choice of physician, particularly if a managed care plan is in place under §31-279(c).

Once that physician–patient relationship is established, you cannot simply switch doctors without approval.
The statute provides that a change of physician requires written authorization from the employer or insurer or an order from the Workers' Compensation Commissioner.

That approval process exists for a reason: it prevents “doctor shopping,” preserves continuity of care, and ensures that treatment decisions come from a provider familiar with your work injury and its medical history.

Doctor-Specific, Not Practice-Specific

This is the part that surprises most people. In Connecticut, your authorization is doctor-specific, not practice-specific.

That means if your treating physician is Dr. Smith at Hartford Orthopedics, you are not automatically authorized to see Dr. Jones or Dr. Patel in the same practice. Even if they share the same office, tax ID, or medical group, switching to a different doctor counts as a “change of physician” under §31-294d(c).

Without proper authorization, the insurance company can refuse to pay for your visits, medications, or diagnostic testing. And if your new doctor issues a work-status note or disability opinion, that document may not carry legal weight in your workers' compensation case.

When a Change May Be Allowed

There are limited circumstances where the Commission or insurer will approve a change in treating doctor, such as:

• The treating doctor retires, relocates, or becomes unavailable.

• The injury requires specialized care beyond the current doctor's expertise.

• The relationship between doctor and patient has broken down completely.

• The employer's managed care plan allows a specific second-opinion process.

Each case is fact-specific, but the key takeaway is this: you need permission before you change.

The Risk of Unapproved Treatment

Seeing an unauthorized doctor can have serious ripple effects on your claim.
Treatment may not be covered. Temporary disability checks may be suspended. And your overall case value may be reduced if the Commission questions the credibility of your medical evidence.

That's why it's critical to talk to an experienced Connecticut workers' compensation attorney before making any move.

Local Experience That Makes a Difference

At the Law Offices of James F. Aspell, P.C., we've been representing injured workers throughout Hartford, Farmington, New Britain, Middletown, Torrington, and across Connecticut for nearly four decades. Our firm understands how the Workers' Compensation Commission applies §31-294d in real-world cases — and how to protect your right to proper medical care.

If you're unsure whether you can or should change doctors in your workers' compensation case, call us before you act.
We'll review your file, explain your options, and guide you through the proper approval process.

Law Offices of James F. Aspell, P.C.
📍 40 DStanford Dr., 1st Fl.  Farmington, CT
📞 (860) 523-8783
🌐 www.aspelllaw.com
Experience That Makes a Difference — Since 1986