Understanding Medical Provider Networks and your right to a second opinion
After a work injury in California, you may hear the term “MPN” thrown around by the insurance adjuster. MPN stands for Medical Provider Network — a group of doctors approved by your employer’s insurance company to treat injured workers. Here’s what you actually have a right to.
What Is an MPN?
An MPN is a network of physicians, hospitals, and other providers that your employer’s workers’ comp insurance has set up (or contracted for) to treat work injuries. In most cases, if your employer has a properly set-up MPN, you’ll need to treat within that network for your work injury.
Can You Choose Your Own Doctor?
Sometimes, yes. If, before you were hurt, you predesignated your personal physician in writing — and that doctor had already been treating you and agrees to treat your work injury — you may be able to stay with your own doctor instead of going into the MPN. This has to be set up correctly and in advance, so it’s worth doing even if you’re not currently injured.
Your Right to a Second and Third Opinion
If you disagree with the diagnosis or treatment recommended by the MPN doctor, you don’t just have to accept it. You have the right to:
- Request a second opinion from another doctor within the MPN
- If you still disagree, request a third opinion from a different MPN doctor
- If you disagree after the third opinion, request an Independent Medical Review (IMR) of the disputed diagnosis or treatment issue
| Why this matters:
Insurance companies sometimes steer injured workers toward doctors who are quick to release them back to work or slow to approve treatment. Knowing you can ask for a second opinion — and how to ask correctly, in writing, within the right timeframe — protects you from getting stuck with a doctor who isn’t looking out for your recovery. |
When You Might Be Able to Treat Outside the MPN
- The MPN doesn’t have the right specialist for your injury within a reasonable distance
- You were never properly notified about the MPN
- It’s a genuine medical emergency
Bottom Line
The MPN rules are full of deadlines, notice requirements, and technical traps that can work against an injured worker who doesn’t know the system. If you feel like you’re not being heard by an MPN doctor, don’t just live with it — there’s a process, and we can help you use it.