How many days does an injured employee have to object to the report of a primary treating physician?

• A. 5 days
• B. 30 days
• C. 20 days
• D. 10 days

Answer: (C)

When the primary treating physician submits a medical report, there is a specific window for the injured employee to challenge it. The employee has 20 days from the date the report is served to object. This deadline matters because it triggers the next steps to resolve medical disputes, such as scheduling an independent medical evaluation or a panel Qualified Medical Examiner to review the conflicting findings. If no timely objection is filed, the treating physician’s conclusions and recommendations often become the basis for medical treatment decisions, work restrictions, and related benefits. The 20-day limit provides a practical balance: enough time to review the report and seek guidance, while keeping the case moving forward.