Use a Board-authorized provider
Except in an emergency, treatment for a workers’ comp injury in New York should come from a provider authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board. Authorized providers know the system, can submit the required reports, and bill the carrier directly so you are not paying out of pocket for covered care.
For a true emergency, get care immediately wherever you can; the authorization rules are about ongoing treatment, not your first stop in a crisis.
Why the choice matters
Your treating provider’s reports are central evidence. They document your diagnosis, whether the injury is work-related, your work restrictions, and your progress. A provider who writes clear, timely reports strengthens your claim; vague or missing reports weaken it.
Your treating doctor’s opinion is also the counterweight to the insurer’s independent medical examiner if a dispute arises, so continuity of care with an authorized provider is valuable.
Changing providers
You are generally allowed to change to another authorized provider if you are not satisfied, though there are proper steps to do it so your records and authorization stay intact. The carrier can also direct you to a pharmacy or diagnostic network in some cases.
Keep copies of your reports and make sure each new provider has your history, so the medical record stays continuous and consistent across the claim.