Can I Choose My Own Doctor for Workers’ Comp in Illinois?

Checked against the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act and the Commission’s handbook · Last reviewed October 26, 2026

Short answer: yes, in most cases. Illinois law gives an injured worker two choices of doctor, plus every specialist those two doctors refer you to. Your employer’s insurance pays for reasonable and necessary care from them. The main exception is an employer with a state-approved Preferred Provider Program.

How the two-doctor rule works

Section 8(a) of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act lets you pick any two doctors or hospitals to treat your work injury. Each of those two can refer you to other specialists, therapists or imaging centers. Those referrals are part of the same “chain” and do not use up another choice.

An example. A warehouse worker hurts her shoulder lifting a pallet. She picks an orthopedic clinic as her first choice. The clinic sends her for an MRI and then physical therapy. The MRI and therapy are referrals, so she still has one choice left if she ever needs it.

Because of that, it pays to make your first choice a doctor who treats work injuries regularly and can coordinate the referrals you may need.

What does not count as one of your choices

First aid and emergency care. An ambulance ride or an ER visit right after the injury does not use up a choice.
Care before you reported the injury. Non-emergency care you got before telling your employer about the injury does not count either.
A doctor your employer picks. Your employer can send you to an exam with a doctor of its choosing. Illinois courts have generally held that a doctor chosen by the employer is not one of your two choices.

If your employer has a Preferred Provider Program (PPP)

Some employers set up a Preferred Provider Program, a network of doctors approved by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. If yours has one:

Your employer must tell you about it in writing, on the Commission’s form.
You can choose two doctors from inside the network.
You can opt out at any time by giving your employer a written statement. Opting out uses up one of your two choices. After that you can pick any doctor or hospital, plus anyone that doctor refers you to.

If nobody gave you a written PPP notice, ask your employer or the insurance adjuster whether one applies before you book.

Want Illinois Orthopedic Network as your choice of doctor? Call and tell the team who your employer is and which doctors you have already seen. They will help you work out where you stand.

Call 312-951-8200 Request a call back

Already went to the company clinic?

That is common. Many people are sent to an occupational clinic on the day of the injury, then feel they were rushed back to work or never got a clear diagnosis. If the company clinic was chosen by your employer, you can usually still use your own two choices. Many workers come to an orthopedic practice for a second opinion at this point.

Bring any reports, X-rays or work restrictions the company clinic gave you. They help the next doctor pick up where things left off.

Bills and your paycheck while you recover

Medical bills. When your claim is accepted, your employer’s insurance pays your medical bills. While a claim is pending at the Commission, a provider generally cannot collect from you once you have told them about the claim. Keep your claim number handy and answer any reminder letters.

Lost pay. If a doctor takes you off work, you may receive temporary total disability (TTD) benefits:

Two-thirds of your average weekly wage, within state minimum and maximum limits
The first three days off are not paid, unless you end up missing 14 or more calendar days
The first payment should come within 14 days after your employer is told about the injury
Payments come on the same schedule as your paycheck did, for example every two weeks

This is wage replacement while you heal, not a lump sum. If payments are late or denied, a workers’ compensation attorney can explain your options.

How to use your choice well

Report the injury to your employer right away, in writing if you can. The legal deadline is 45 days, and late notice can delay benefits.
Pick a doctor who treats work injuries. They know the paperwork the insurer needs and how to write clear work restrictions.
Get every referral in writing, so it is clearly part of your doctor’s chain.
Keep copies of reports, restrictions and letters from the insurer.
Ask questions early if you are unsure whether a PPP applies or how many choices you have used.

Common questions

Can my employer make me use the company clinic?

Usually not for your ongoing care. Unless your employer has a Preferred Provider Program approved by the state and has told you about it in writing, you can pick your own two doctors. Your employer can still send you to one exam with a doctor of its choice.

Does a trip to urgent care or the ER count as one of my choices?

Emergency care and first aid do not count. Non-emergency care you got before you reported the injury to your employer also does not count. A non-emergency visit you choose after reporting the injury can count as a choice.

What if I want to see a third doctor?

Specialists your two doctors refer you to are covered and do not use up a choice, so ask for referrals in writing. Seeing a doctor outside those referral chains needs your employer’s approval, or you may have to pay for it yourself.

Do I need a lawyer to choose my doctor?

No. Choosing a doctor does not require a lawyer. Many injured workers do hire a workers’ compensation attorney, especially when a claim is denied or disputed. This website does not give legal advice.

Hurt at work in Chicago? Illinois Orthopedic Network at 712 N Dearborn St usually sees injured workers the same day or the next. No referral needed.

Call 312-951-8200 Request a call back

Sources

This page explains Illinois law in general terms. It is not legal advice, and every claim is different. For advice about your claim, speak with a workers’ compensation attorney or the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.