MT SB295

Injured workers may choose their own treating physician for initial treatment and designate that physician (or another qualified provider) to continue as their treating physician, removing the insurer's prior authority to designate or approve the treating physician after accepting liability

Treating physician designation must consider the type of injury or occupational disease, the worker's proximity to the physician, and physician availability

Changes to the treating physician require consent of both the worker and the insurer; refusal to consent is subject to mediation

Reimbursement rates remain unchanged: treating physicians receive 110% of the department's fee schedule, referred providers receive 90%, and providers treating before designation receive 100%

Effective date: July 1, 2025