What Medical Expenses Are Covered by California Workers’ Compensation?

 Posted on September 17, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Often, a main concern for someone injured on the job is how they will cover their medical expenses. California workers’ compensation laws exist to ensure that you have access to the treatment you need without having to cover costs out of pocket. However, this raises several questions for workers who need to make sure they get the medical care they need to recover. 

Are all medical costs included? How does ongoing treatment work? Who chooses your care team? With guidance from experienced Santa Clara County, CA workers’ compensation lawyers, you will have a clear path to the compensation you need while you recover.

Medical Expenses Covered Through a Workers’ Compensation Claim

California law requires employers to provide medical care for workers who are injured on the job. Under California Labor Code § 4600, employers must furnish treatment that is reasonably required to cure or relieve the effects of a workplace injury. Some medical expenses that may be covered include:

• Doctor visits

• Emergency room treatment and hospital stays

• Diagnostic tests, such as MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays

• Prescription medications

• Surgeries and other medical procedures

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation services

• Medical devices or equipment, such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs

• Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from approved medical appointments

These benefits are designed to cover the full range of treatment, so you are not burdened with medical bills while focusing on recovery.

Is Ongoing Medical Care Covered Under Workers’ Compensation Benefits in California?

Severe injuries, such as back injuries, repetitive stress, or serious trauma, often require long-term treatment. Workers may need extended therapy, medication, or pain management. California workers’ comp benefits allow ongoing care when your doctor finds it medically necessary.

Before approval, all requests go through utilization review (UR), where the insurance company decides if treatment is required. If denied, you may appeal through an Independent Medical Review (IMR) under California Labor Code § 4610.5. In cases of permanent disability, workers’ comp can also cover lifetime medical care, such as therapy or assistive devices, as long as it remains connected to your workplace injury.

Can You Choose Your Own Doctor Under Workers’ Comp Benefits?

In California, whether you can see your own doctor with workers’ comp benefits depends on your situation. If you provided written notice before your injury that you want your personal doctor to handle work-related treatment, and that doctor agreed, you can begin care with them immediately after being hurt.

If no pre-designation is on file, you typically have to see a doctor within your employer’s Medical Provider Network (MPN). These networks are groups of physicians approved by the employer or insurance carrier. After the first visit, you generally have the right to switch to another doctor within the MPN. According to California Labor Code § 4601, a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) may be assigned to resolve conflicts about treatment. Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process of changing your treating doctor to ensure you are compliant with the law and do not lose insurance coverage.

Contact a Morgan Hill, CA Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

If you were hurt at work and need guidance on medical expenses or disputes with your workers’ comp doctor, the Santa Clara County, CA workers’ compensation lawyers at Cramer + Martinez can help. Our firm has a proud history of representing clients on a range of issues with passion and dedication to get them the outcomes they deserve. The workers’ compensation process can be complex. Call us today at 408-848-1113 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help. Hablamos Español.