Can I get paid mileage for driving to my workers' comp doctor?

What travel expenses can I claim?

If your injury is accepted, or even while it's being investigated, you're entitled to reimbursement for mileage driven to and from medical treatment appointments. That includes visits to your primary treating physician, specialists, qualified medical evaluators (QMEs), physical therapy, chiropractic sessions, and even trips to the pharmacy to pick up medication prescribed for your work injury. Parking fees and bridge tolls tied to those trips are reimbursable too. This is a separate benefit from your temporary disability checks — it doesn't reduce them and you don't have to "use up" any other benefit to get it.

The mileage rate changes each year and follows the rate published by the DWC (historically tied to the IRS standard mileage rate). Always check the current DWC mileage rate page before submitting a claim, since using an outdated rate can shortchange you or cause delays.

*This article is general information about California workers' compensation, not legal advice about your situation. Every case is different.*

Yazdchi Law, P.C. — Eman Yazdchi, responsible attorney. Office: Palmdale, California. Attorney advertising.