Doctors Earn Extra Income Through Workers' Comp Chart Review

Reviewing medical files for workers' compensation cases can be a lucrative side gig for physicians, but it comes with pros and cons.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:53am

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Reviewing workers' compensation charts for insurers can be a lucrative side gig for physicians, according to a Medscape survey report. 15% of doctors with side jobs said their extra work was chart review, which can be done for many types of health insurers or law firms handling medical cases. The compensation for file review assignments can range from $85 to $200 per hour, but the work can also be complex and time-consuming, and interactions with treating doctors may be tense if the reviewing physician disagrees with their judgement.

Why it matters

Side gigs have become increasingly popular among physicians as a way to try new experiences, gain different skills, and earn extra income. Workers' compensation chart review is one such side job that allows doctors to leverage their medical expertise outside of their regular clinical practice, but it requires navigating complex regulations and potential conflicts with colleagues.

The details

Whether chart review work is a good fit depends on the individual doctor. Factors to consider include if the extra income is worth the time and energy, or if that time would be better spent on rest, family, or hobbies. The work involves examining employee medical files to determine if the treating doctor's diagnosis and recommended treatment are appropriate, and whether the injury is the primary or contributing cause of any impairment. Doctors may also need to interact directly with the treating physicians or the patient.

  • The National Safety Council listed the most common workers' comp injuries during 2023-2024 as contact injuries (499,270), impairment from overexertion and repetitive motions (492,140), and 'fall, slip, and trip' injuries (479,480).
  • A Medscape survey report from 2026 found that 39% of physicians said they had side jobs, and 15% of those said their extra work was chart review.

The players

Michael Richardson, MD

Founder of Bespoke Primary Care in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and American Academy of Family Physicians member.

James J. Mangraviti, Jr.

A principal at physician continuing education and marketing firm SEAK, Inc.

Robert Bernstein

An attorney in Parsippany, New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“Side work can be a way to try something new, gain different experiences, and earn some extra income. We have skills that can make an impact well beyond our clinic walls.”

— Michael Richardson, MD, Founder of Bespoke Primary Care (Medscape)

“Physicians who do superior work can earn a large volume of business.”

— James J. Mangraviti, Jr., Principal at SEAK, Inc. (Medscape)

“There is sometimes a negative association with doing workers' comp work. Some people feel that the doctors who do workers' comp may be pressured by insurers to limit care recommendations.”

— Robert Bernstein, Attorney (Medscape)

What’s next

Doctors interested in pursuing workers' compensation chart review work should research the specific regulations and requirements in their state, as they can vary widely. Networking with colleagues, attorneys, and workers' compensation insurance providers can also help identify potential opportunities.

The takeaway

While workers' compensation chart review can be a lucrative side gig for physicians, it requires navigating complex processes, potential conflicts with treating doctors, and potential stigma. Doctors should carefully consider if the extra income is worth the time and energy, and ensure they maintain a healthy work-life balance.