Certified Managed Care Plans

California Medical Provider Network (MPN)

A Medical Provider Network (MPN) Is a Network of Providers, Including Physicians, Created to Provide Medical Treatment for Work Injuries of Employees in California

Self-insured employers or workers' compensation insurers may have an MPN. Under SB 863, an entity providing physician network services can also have an MPN. An MPN must be approved by the California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) before it can be used. Unless exempted by law or the employer, all medical care for workers injured on the job whose employer has an approved MPN will be handled and provided through the MPN.

Under state regulations, each MPN must:

  • include a mix of doctors specializing in work-related injuries and doctors with expertise in general areas of medicine
  • meet access to care standards for common occupational injuries and work-related illnesses
  • follow all medical treatment guidelines established by the DWC 
  • allow employees a choice of provider(s) in the network after their first visit.
  • must offer an opportunity for second and third opinions if the injured worker disagrees with the diagnosis or treatment offered by the treating physician. If a disagreement still exists after the second and third opinion, an injured worker in the MPN may request an MPN Independent Medical Review (MPN IMR).

Learn more at California Division of Workers’ Compensation.

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