Second Opinion for a Chicago Work Injury
The company clinic said you’re fine, but you’re still hurting? You can have your injury looked at again by an orthopedic team you choose.
- No referral from your employer needed
- Usually seen the same day or the next
- Bring what the company clinic gave you, and the team takes it from there
- Hablamos español
Appointments are with Illinois Orthopedic Network, 712 N Dearborn St, Chicago.
Request a second opinion
Takes 30 seconds. The scheduling team calls you back during office hours.
When a second opinion makes sense
Company clinics see a lot of people and often aim to get workers back on the job quickly. Sometimes that is right. Sometimes an injury needs a closer look. People usually come in for a second opinion when:
- The pain is not getting better after a few weeks
- They were sent back to full duty but cannot do their job without pain
- They have numbness, tingling or weakness that nobody has explained
- They never had imaging and still do not know what is wrong
- Surgery was recommended, or ruled out, and they want to be sure
- The insurer’s exam doctor says they are fine and their own doctor disagrees
Go to the ER now if you have:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Sudden, severe weakness in an arm or leg
- A bone that looks out of place
- Severe pain after a fall or crash
Call 911. Do not wait for an appointment.
Can I get a second opinion on workers’ comp in Illinois?
In most cases, yes. Illinois law gives you two choices of doctor, plus anyone those doctors refer you to. If the company clinic was chosen by your employer, it generally does not count as one of your choices, so you can still pick your own.
If your employer has a state-approved Preferred Provider Program, the rules are different. Read how the two-doctor rule works.
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Call or send a request
Tell the team where you are hurt, when it happened and who you have already seen.
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Bring what you have
Company clinic notes, X-rays or MRIs, work restrictions and your claim number if you have one.
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Get a clear answer
A fresh exam, an explanation in plain language, and a plan, whether that means treatment, therapy or confirming the first diagnosis.
Common questions
Will a second opinion hurt my workers’ comp claim?
Seeing a doctor you choose is a normal part of an Illinois claim. You generally get two choices of doctor, and a doctor your employer picked usually does not count as one of them. Tell the clinic who you have already seen so the right paperwork goes to the insurer.
What if the second doctor agrees with the first one?
That happens, and it is still useful. You will know the diagnosis has been checked, and you can return to work or follow the plan with more confidence.
Is this the same as an IME?
No. An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is usually arranged by the employer or insurer, and that doctor does not treat you. A second opinion is a visit with a doctor you choose, who can examine you, explain the results and treat you if you need it.
Do I need my records from the company clinic?
They help but are not required. Bring what you have, such as visit notes, X-rays or work restrictions. The clinic can request the rest with your permission.
Still hurting after the company clinic? Talk to Illinois Orthopedic Network about a second opinion.
General information only, not medical or legal advice. A second opinion may agree or disagree with your first doctor. No outcome is guaranteed.