If you’ve been injured on the job in Virginia, one of the most important decisions you’ll make isn’t about paperwork: it’s about your doctor. That’s because the medical provider you see after a workplace injury doesn’t just affect your health and recovery. In many cases, they also play a central role in whether or not you receive workers’ compensation benefits.
At Renfro & Renfro, we’ve seen how confusing the system can be, especially when you’re handed a list of names and told, “Pick a doctor.” But that list isn’t random; it’s called a Panel of Physicians, and it’s a required part of the Virginia workers’ compensation process. Choosing from it correctly and understanding your rights is critical.
We’re here to break down what the Panel of Physicians is, why it matters, and how to protect yourself at every step of your workers’ compensation claim.
What Is the Panel of Physicians?
In Virginia, when an injured worker reports an on-the-job injury, their employer (or the workers’ compensation insurance carrier) is required by law to offer a Panel of Physicians. This is a list of at least three medical doctors for the injured employee to choose from.
But it’s not just a formality; this panel limits your choices and sets the tone for your entire medical journey. Unless you meet certain exceptions or get special approval, the panel physician you select will be your primary treating doctor. That means they’ll be the one managing your medical treatment, making referrals to specialists, and documenting your condition records that will later be used to determine the benefits you may or may not receive.
Choosing from the panel might seem like a small step, but it has huge implications. That’s why understanding the rules and having someone on your side to guide you can make all the difference.
What Makes a Valid Panel in Virginia?
Not all Panels of Physicians are created equal, and under Virginia law, there are specific requirements that employers must follow. If they don’t meet these standards, you may not be bound by the list they give you, which can open up more choices for your care.
Here’s what makes a Panel of Physicians valid in Virginia:
- At least three doctors must be listed.
- All doctors must be properly licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- The doctors must be independent; they cannot be affiliated with each other through the same practice or corporate group.
- The panel must include doctors who are reasonably accessible in terms of location.
If any of these boxes aren’t checked, the panel may not hold up, and you might have the right to choose your own doctor outside the panel. That’s why it’s so important to look closely at the list you’re given and not just pick the first name you recognize.
At Renfro & Renfro, we’ve worked with clients who were handed invalid panels without knowing it. We’ve helped them challenge those lists, push for fair compensation, and hold employers accountable to the law. If something feels off about your panel, or if you weren’t given one at all, it’s time to ask questions.
When the Panel Must Be Provided
Timing is everything in a workers’ compensation case, and that includes when your employer provides the Panel of Physicians. In Virginia, the law requires that this panel be given to you promptly after your injury is reported. There’s no room for delays, stalling, or silence when it comes to ensuring proper medical treatment.
If your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier fails to provide a valid panel in a timely manner, you may have the right to seek treatment from a physician of your own choosing, and that can change the direction of your claim entirely.
Here’s what to watch for:
- You never received a panel after reporting your injury.
- You were told to just go to a specific doctor without being given a choice.
- You were pressured to pick someone immediately or sign something without time to review.
Failing to receive a proper panel could also impact your access to temporary total disability benefits or fair evaluation of your injury.
Why the Panel Matters and the Role of the Panel Doctor
On the surface, a list of doctors might not seem like a big deal. But in a Virginia workers’ compensation case, the Panel of Physicians can shape everything, from your medical treatment to your legal outcome.
When you select a doctor from the panel, you’re not just choosing someone to help you heal. That physician becomes your primary treating doctor, and their role reaches far beyond the exam room.
Here’s why this choice matters:
- Their diagnosis influences how your injury is classified and whether it’s deemed work-related.
- Their notes become legal documentation, used by the workers’ compensation insurer and the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- Their decisions about your ability to work or need to stay out affect your lost wages and benefits eligibility.
- Their referrals (or lack thereof) control whether you’ll see a specialist or get advanced imaging.
In many cases, the treating doctor’s opinion carries the most weight in the entire examination of your claim. If they downplay your injury, rush you back to work, or miss something in your records, it can seriously impact your recovery and your compensation.
At Renfro & Renfro, we’ve had to challenge flawed medical opinions, bring in second opinions, and make the case for switching doctors, all because the first choice didn’t serve our client’s best interests. That’s why we help you get it right from the start, and stay in your corner if things change.
Best Practices When Choosing from the Panel
You might feel pressure to pick a doctor quickly, but this is one decision worth slowing down for. In Virginia, once you choose a physician from the panel, that doctor becomes your primary treating physician, and their role in your workers’ compensation claim is huge. Here’s how to make a smart, informed decision:
1. Don’t rush your choice.
You have the right to take time to look up each doctor on the list. Research their experience treating injuries, read reviews if available, and ask about their background in handling workplace accidents and workers’ compensation cases.
2. Consider location and availability.
The law requires that doctors be reasonably accessible. If one is located too far away or has a long wait time, that’s a factor worth raising.
3. Ask questions before deciding.
If your employer or insurance adjuster offers information about the panel doctors, listen closely, but remember, this is your choice. Ask:
- Does this doctor specialize in orthopedic or occupational injuries?
- How often do they see workers’ compensation claims?
- Are they familiar with long-term recovery plans and medical documentation needed for benefits?
4. Bring support if you can.
For the first appointment, consider bringing a trusted friend or family member. They can help take notes and ensure your symptoms, job limitations, and medical expenses are clearly communicated.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not every doctor on a Panel of Physicians is going to be the right fit, and unfortunately, not every doctor will have your best interests in mind. While many panel physicians are experienced and trustworthy, some may lean more toward the employer or insurer’s goals than your recovery. Here are a few red flags we tell our clients to watch out for:
1. You feel rushed or dismissed.
If your doctor barely listens, brushes off your pain, or seems more focused on clearing you for work than treating you, it’s time to speak up. This can negatively affect your medical report and claim outcome.
2. No referrals for specialists or testing.
A doctor who refuses to refer you for an MRI, physical therapy, or specialist consult, even when your symptoms persist, could be limiting your medical treatment.
3. You’re being pressured to return to work early.
Returning too soon can delay healing or cause reinjury. If your doctor seems focused on what your employer wants instead of what your body needs, that’s a red flag that could jeopardize your workers’ compensation benefits.
4. Inconsistent or inaccurate medical records.
Your medical records will be used to support or deny your claim. If things you never said are showing up, or if your symptoms are being downplayed, it can impact your eligibility for compensation and permanent impairment evaluations.
If you’re seeing signs like these, don’t wait. At Renfro & Renfro, we help clients document concerns, request second opinions, and, when necessary, petition to change doctors. Your care and your case deserve better than a checkbox experience.
Can You Change Doctors? (And What Happens If You’ve Picked the Wrong One)
If you’ve already chosen a doctor from the Panel of Physicians but something doesn’t feel right, you’re not alone. It’s a common concern. Maybe your treatment is going nowhere, you’re being pressured to return to work too soon, or you just don’t trust the care you’re getting.
The good news: You can change doctors in Virginia workers’ compensation claims, but there’s a process.
How to Switch Doctors Legally:
You can’t just start seeing someone new on your own and expect your treatment to be covered. To switch doctors, you’ll need:
- Agreement from your employer or the workers’ compensation insurance company, or
- Approval from the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission
This request must usually be backed by a legitimate reason, like ineffective treatment, a breakdown in communication, or a need for care that the current doctor can’t provide.
What If You Picked the Wrong Doctor from the Start?
It happens. Sometimes, injured workers feel rushed, misinformed, or pressured when selecting from the panel, and only realize later that the doctor isn’t the right fit.
We’ve helped clients challenge their initial doctor selection by showing:
- Lack of proper referrals or care
- Bias in favor of the employer
- Poor documentation or record-keeping
- A breakdown in trust or communication
At Renfro & Renfro, we guide clients through the switch carefully, helping them gather documentation, make a case to the Commission, and connect with providers who will truly support their recovery, not just clear them to return to work.
How Renfro & Renfro Can Help
Navigating the Panel of Physicians isn’t always straightforward, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Renfro & Renfro, we guide injured workers through every step of the process. “Their dedication of making it a priority to include me in every decision assured my confidence in knowing that I am important in this case,” said one recent client.
Here’s how we help:
- We Review Your Panel and Your Rights. Not sure if the panel you were given is valid? We’ll look at the list, check for compliance with Virginia law, and help you understand your options before you make a selection.
- We Help You Make an Informed Choice. Choosing the right doctor is a big decision. We’ll talk through the pros and cons, flag any red flags, and give you the information you need to feel confident in your care.
- We Step In When Something’s Not Right. If your doctor isn’t listening, isn’t treating you properly, or is putting your case at risk, we’ll help you take action. Whether it’s negotiating a switch or petitioning the Commission, we’re in your corner.
- We Keep the Process Moving. The workers’ compensation system is full of deadlines, paperwork, and technical instructions. We make sure everything stays on track so you can focus on getting better.
At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to protect your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly, both in the doctor’s office and throughout your entire claim. We’ve helped hundreds of Virginia workers take back control after an injury, and we’re here to help you, too.
Know Your Rights. Protect Your Recovery.
After a work injury, every decision matters, and the doctor you choose from the Panel of Physicians is one of the most important. That choice can affect not just your medical care, but the entire course of your workers’ compensation claim.
At Renfro & Renfro, we believe you deserve care that puts you first, not your employer or their insurance company. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re already facing issues with your panel physician, we’re here to help you take control of the process and protect your recovery from day one.
Got questions about your panel or your workers’ compensation case? Let’s talk. We’re ready when you are.
