Inside the Employer Decision Process for Choosing Workers’ Compensation Physicians.

When an employee is injured, employers want to direct them to physicians who are highly qualified, provide excellent medical care, and support a clear and steady recovery.

Through OM’s long-term experience working with employers, adjusters, and case managers across the country, supported by national survey responses, several consistent factors emerged that reflect what employers value most when selecting a workers’ compensation provider.

These expectations apply nationally and represent the core standards of strong workers’ compensation programs.

1. Physicians Who Prioritize Patient Care

Employers consistently emphasized the importance of patient care. They look for physicians who provide accurate evaluations, establish structured treatment plans, monitor progress closely, and support a safe return to function. A physician’s commitment to high-quality care remains central to employer decision-making.

2. Strong Clinical Qualifications and Experience

Employers consider a doctor’s background and level of expertise when directing care. They value board certification, subspecialty training, experience with work-related injuries, and a record of steady clinical outcomes. These factors help employers feel confident that their employees are receiving care from physicians who are highly qualified and experienced.

3. Clear and Accessible Communication

Survey responses repeatedly highlighted the importance of reliable communication. Employers appreciate practices that provide timely updates, respond promptly to questions, maintain clear communication with all involved parties, and have a knowledgeable workers’ compensation contact. Access to the physician, when appropriate, is also respected and helps support clarity throughout the process.

4. Timely Appointments and Prompt Initial Evaluations

Employers prefer practices that can see injured employees quickly. They look for fast scheduling, efficient intake processes, and reliable follow-up. Early evaluation helps guide appropriate treatment and work status decisions.

5. Accurate, Timely, and Complete Documentation

Although documentation requirements vary by state, employers consistently expect documentation that is submitted on time, clear and detailed, objective, and reflective of progress, restrictions, and next steps. High-quality documentation supports the employee’s medical care and the overall coordination of the claim.

6. Outcomes

Employers value physicians who demonstrate consistent recovery progress, appropriate use of conservative care, early diagnostics when indicated, clear guidance regarding functional abilities, and safe return-to-work planning. Reliable outcomes reinforce confidence in the physician’s care.

7. A Professional and Knowledgeable Office Team

A well-organized practice is an important part of the employer experience. Survey feedback emphasized the value of informed and professional staff, dedicated workers’ compensation coordinators, efficient scheduling processes, and clear communication from the office. A capable team strengthens the practice’s reliability and supports smooth coordination.

8. Participation in the Appropriate Networks

Employers also take into consideration whether a physician participates in the networks that apply to the practice’s specialty, state, and employer population. Network participation can be valuable because it helps employers access care within established systems and enhances visibility when certain networks are widely used in a region.

It is important to note that the appropriate networks are different for every practice. Not all networks apply to every specialty or state. Participation should be aligned with the practice’s services, the region’s referral structure, and the employer populations being served. Employers understand these differences and consider network participation in the context of their specific needs.

Visibility

Another insight that emerged from national discussions is that visibility is an important part of employer decision making. A practice may meet every clinical and operational standard, but employers still need to know who the physician is, what conditions they treat, and how to access care. Visibility provides that clarity. It helps employers understand the practice’s locations, scheduling availability, communication process, and overall structure. This works alongside qualifications, documentation, and patient care and supports efficient coordination. In OM’s experience, visibility ensures that a practice’s strengths are known to the employers who may need their services.

Across all survey responses and conversations, the priorities were consistent. Employers look for physicians who are highly qualified, prioritize patient care, communicate clearly, document accurately, maintain accessible processes, and demonstrate reliable outcomes. Practices that consistently meet these standards and participate in the networks appropriate for their structure and state are well positioned to be considered by employers when seeking care for injured workers.

If you're looking for more visibility and want to learn how OM can support your growth, visit ommktg.com or omdocs.com.

This article is based on survey data collected by OM from employers, adjusters, case managers, and workers’ compensation professionals during 2024 and 2025.