Can you choose your own chiropractor on an Arizona workers comp claim? In most cases, yes. Your employer can have you seen by a doctor of its choice one time, and after that visit you may go to a physician of your choice, which can include a chiropractor. A workers' comp chiropractor in Scottsdale can walk you through your options after a work injury.
By Aligned Health Team, Integrative Health Specialists
Who Chooses Your Doctor After a Work Injury in Arizona?
When you're hurt on the job, report the injury to your employer right away. According to the Industrial Commission of Arizona, your employer has the right to have you seen by a doctor of the employer's choice one time. After that one visit, you may report to a physician of your choice. The main exception is a small number of self-insured employers with contracted medical care on file with the ICA, whose employees must use the employer's contracted doctors for care related to the injury.
This can feel frustrating if you already have a chiropractor you trust for spine and joint issues, but it's simply how most workers compensation systems, Arizona's included, are built. The Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) is the state agency that oversees these claims and sets the rules for how doctors are assigned and how an injured worker can later request a change. Knowing this process upfront can save you time and frustration if you'd rather receive chiropractic treatment for your work injury from the start.
Can You Choose Your Own Chiropractor on an Arizona Workers Comp Claim? Here's What the Law Allows
It's one of the first questions injured workers ask: can you choose your own chiropractor on an Arizona workers comp claim right after an accident? For most workers, yes, once any one-time visit with a doctor your employer chooses has taken place. Arizona's workers compensation rules define a physician to include licensed practitioners of the healing arts, which includes chiropractors, so a chiropractor can serve as your treating provider for a work injury.
One detail matters: once you return to a doctor for a second visit, that doctor becomes your attending physician. Changing from an attending physician later follows a specific process, so it helps to think about who you want to treat your injury before that second visit. If you would prefer a provider who treats your injury with a whole-body, hands-on approach, choosing that provider early keeps things simple.
How Do You Request a Change of Physician on an Arizona Workers Comp Claim?
Once you have an attending physician, Arizona allows three ways to change doctors: your attending physician refers you to another doctor, the insurance carrier approves the change, or the Industrial Commission of Arizona approves a written application from you. Many people start by asking the adjuster handling their claim, and keep a copy of any request they send.
If the carrier does not approve a change, you can apply in writing to the Industrial Commission of Arizona. The ICA Claims Division can answer questions about the process at (602) 542-4661. Because paperwork and deadlines matter, many injured workers find it helpful to coordinate with their provider's office. Our guide to Arizona workers comp and chiropractic care covers reporting, filing and changing doctors in more detail.
Is Chiropractic Care Covered Under Arizona Workers Compensation?
Chiropractic care can be covered under Arizona workers compensation when it is part of treating an accepted work injury. Chiropractic treatment is commonly used for injuries involving the back, neck, and joints, which make up a large share of workplace injury claims. What is covered for your claim depends on your injury, your diagnosis, and your treating provider's recommendations.
If you have questions about what your claim covers, the insurance carrier or the adjuster handling your file is the right first call. Your treating provider can document your condition and the care it needs, which helps keep the claim and your treatment aligned.
Do You Need Insurer Approval to See a Chiropractor?
For most Arizona workers, the choice of physician after any one-time employer visit is yours, so you do not need the carrier to pick your chiropractor. What does matter is following the process once you have an attending physician: changing doctors after that point goes through a referral, carrier approval, or an ICA application.
If you work for a self-insured employer with contracted medical care on file with the ICA, you will need to use the employer's contracted doctors for care related to the injury. If you are not sure which applies to you, ask your employer or the Industrial Commission of Arizona before your first visit.
How Many Times Can You Change Doctors on an Arizona Workers Comp Claim?
Arizona does not set a simple number of free changes. Once you have an attending physician, each change goes through one of the three routes: a referral from your attending physician, approval from the insurance carrier, or a written application approved by the Industrial Commission of Arizona. Because changes take time, it helps to be confident in the provider you choose.
If you're ready to move forward with a provider who focuses on hands-on, whole-body recovery, our team can help you understand what the process involves for your specific case, from paperwork to timing. You can Schedule Appointment to start that conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own chiropractor for a work injury in Arizona?
In most cases, yes. Your employer may have you seen by a doctor of its choice one time. After that visit you may go to a physician of your choice, including a chiropractor. Employees of certain self-insured employers with contracted care must use the employer's contracted doctors.
Does my employer's insurance company pick my workers comp doctor in Arizona?
Not for most workers. Your employer can require one visit with a doctor it chooses, and after that the choice of physician is yours. Self-insured employers with contracted medical care on file with the ICA are the main exception.
What if I don't like the doctor assigned to my Arizona workers comp claim?
You're not required to stay with a physician who isn't meeting your needs. You can submit a formal request to change doctors, explaining why the switch is appropriate for your injury. The insurance company, or if necessary the Industrial Commission of Arizona, will review the request. Documenting specific concerns, like limited progress or a mismatch in treatment approach, usually strengthens the request.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor on an Arizona workers comp claim?
Not to choose your first treating physician after any one-time employer visit. A referral is one of the three ways to change doctors once you already have an attending physician; the others are carrier approval and an approved written application to the ICA.
How long does it take to switch doctors on a workers comp claim?
It varies by carrier and by how complete your request is. If you need to apply to the ICA, the ICA Claims Division at (602) 542-4661 can tell you what to expect for your situation.
Get Chiropractic Care for Your Arizona Work Injury Claim
If you're navigating a workers compensation claim and want a provider who treats the whole injury, not just the paperwork, our team is ready to help you understand your options. Contact Us to talk through your case and take the next step toward the care you need.