Iowa law requires that the company be able to choose the treating doctor. That does not give them the right to direct care, by refusing tests or surgery recommended by the doctor they chose. It is not unusual for employers or insurance carriers to try to veto the treatment recommendations of the doctor that they chose, such as telling the dcotor that an MRI or surgery is not necessary. The State workers' compensation agency has made clear that the doctor and patient are to decide on the course or treatment, not the employer or insurance carrier.

 

An application can be filed with the State agency, and they will almost always order the test or surgery to be authorized and paid by the employer and insurance carrier, if it is recommended by the treating doctor.