About This Legal Information
Nicholas G. Callas has practiced law in South Carolina for more than 35 years, with a focus on workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability, and personal injury matters.

Last reviewed: Sept. 2026

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If you were hurt at work, you may be wondering whether you can choose your own workers’ comp doctor in South Carolina.

In most cases, no—not if you expect workers’ compensation to pay for the treatment. Your employer or its insurance carrier usually selects the authorized doctor who treats your work injury.

That does not mean you have no options. If you are unhappy with the authorized doctor, you may be able to request another physician, seek a second opinion, or ask the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission to review the dispute.

Who Chooses the Workers’ Comp Doctor in South Carolina?

South Carolina Code Section 42-15-60 requires an employer to provide reasonably necessary medical care for a compensable workplace injury. During a period of disability, the employer may also provide an attending physician. The employee generally must accept that care unless the Workers’ Compensation Commission orders otherwise for good cause.

In practical terms, this generally means your employer or its insurance carrier chooses your authorized treating physician.

This differs from using your regular health insurance, where you may have more freedom to select a doctor within your network.

If you are just beginning the workers’ compensation process, the Law Office of Nicholas G. Callas can provide a broader explanation of how to file a workers’ compensation claim in South Carolina.

What Happens If You Go to Your Own Doctor?

You can see your personal doctor, but the workers’ compensation carrier generally will not pay for unauthorized treatment.

If you receive treatment without approval from your employer, insurance carrier, or the Commission, you may be responsible for the cost. It can also complicate your treatment plan and workers’ compensation claim.

For that reason, do not simply stop seeing the authorized treating physician because you disagree with the doctor.

Refusing treatment or an evaluation provided by the employer—or ordered by the Commission—can put your benefits at risk. Compensation may be suspended unless the Commission finds that the refusal was justified.

What About Emergency Medical Treatment?

South Carolina law includes a limited exception for emergency care.

Under Section 42-15-60, if an emergency arises because the employer failed to provide required medical care, another physician may treat the employee. The Commission may then order the employer to pay the reasonable cost.

Coverage depends on the facts, so do not assume that every visit to an unauthorized provider will be paid by workers’ compensation.

For additional steps to take following an injury, see the firm’s article on what to do after a workplace injury in South Carolina.

Can You Change Your Workers’ Comp Doctor in South Carolina?

Possibly.

If you believe the authorized doctor is not providing appropriate care, you can ask the insurance carrier to approve another physician. If the carrier refuses, the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission may need to review the dispute.

Section 42-15-60 authorizes the Commission to order changes to medical or hospital services when circumstances warrant. The Commission may also change the attending physician for good cause.

Reasons You May Want a Different Doctor

Every situation is different, but concerns might arise if:

• Your symptoms are getting worse instead of better
• Recommended diagnostic testing has not been performed
• Your doctor is not addressing all injuries related to the workplace accident
• You believe a specialist should evaluate your condition
• Your treatment has stalled without an explanation
• You disagree with your work restrictions or medical assessment

Disagreeing with your doctor does not automatically let you choose any physician you want. It may, however, be a reason to discuss your options with a South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer.

Can You Get a Second Opinion in a South Carolina Workers’ Comp Case?

You can ask the insurance company to authorize a second opinion, although approval is not automatic.

In some situations, a worker may obtain an additional medical evaluation independently. Who pays for it—and how it may be used—depends on the circumstances.

South Carolina Code Section 42-15-80 allows the employer or Commission to require an injured worker to attend an examination with a qualified physician chosen and paid for by the employer or Commission. The worker may have another qualified physician present, but must provide and pay that physician.

If disputes over medical treatment are affecting your benefits, you may also want to review the firm’s article explaining why workers’ compensation claims are denied in South Carolina.

Why Your Authorized Treating Physician Matters

Your South Carolina workers’ comp doctor can play an important role in your claim.

Your medical records may document your diagnosis, whether the condition is related to your work injury, what treatment you need, whether you can return to work, and whether you have permanent limitations.

Medical treatment is also closely linked to the benefits you may receive. You can learn more in the firm’s guide to South Carolina workers’ compensation benefits.

For a broader overview of representation in workplace injury cases, visit the Law Office of Nicholas G. Callas’s South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer page.

FAQ About Choosing a Workers’ Comp Doctor in South Carolina

Can I choose my own workers’ comp doctor in South Carolina?

Generally, your employer or its workers’ compensation insurance carrier provides the authorized treating physician. The Commission may order a change when appropriate under South Carolina law.

Can I stop seeing the doctor selected by workers’ comp?

Stopping authorized treatment without addressing the issue properly can put your benefits at risk. In some situations, South Carolina law allows compensation to be suspended when an employee refuses treatment or an evaluation.

Can I request a different workers’ comp doctor?

Yes. You can request a different doctor, but the carrier does not have to agree. If there is a dispute, the Workers’ Compensation Commission may order a change for good cause or when the circumstances justify it.

Who pays for workers’ comp medical treatment?

For a compensable claim, the employer generally must provide reasonably necessary authorized medical treatment for the work injury, subject to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act.

Questions About Your Workers’ Comp Doctor? Talk With Nicholas G. Callas

If you are unhappy with your authorized doctor, need additional treatment, or believe necessary care is being delayed, consider discussing your situation with a workers’ compensation attorney.

The Law Office of Nicholas G. Callas, P.A. handles workers’ compensation and Social Security disability claims for clients in South Carolina. The firm can review your claim and explain what options may be available.

Contact the Law Office of Nicholas G. Callas HERE to discuss your situation.