After a workplace injury, getting proper medical care is one of the most important steps you can take. But many injured employees in Illinois wonder, “Can I choose my own doctor for my workers’ compensation claim?”
The answer is yes, with some limits. Illinois law gives injured workers the right to choose their own treating physicians, but it also sets boundaries that affect which doctors are covered under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Understanding these rules early on can help you get the treatment you need without unexpected bills or disputes.
Your Right to Choose Under Illinois Law Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305), you are allowed to select two doctors of your choice, along with any specialists or therapists they refer you to. This is sometimes called the two-doctor rule.Here is how it works:
  • Your first doctor can be your family physician, an urgent care doctor, or another provider you trust.
  • If that doctor refers you to a specialist, physical therapist, or surgeon, those referrals are included as part of your first chain of treatment.
  • If you later decide to see a different doctor on your own (not through a referral), that counts as your second choice under the law.
Once you have used both choices, additional doctors are generally not covered unless your employer or its insurance carrier approves further treatment.

What If My Employer Has a Preferred Provider Program (PPP)?

Some employers in Illinois participate in a Preferred Provider Program (PPP) that is approved by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.If your employer has a PPP, you may be required to choose your doctor from within that network unless you opt out in writing.
  • If you stay in the PPP network, your treatment through that network does not count as one of your two choices.
  • If you opt out, you will have your standard two-doctor limit outside the network.
The key takeaway: always ask your employer whether a PPP applies before scheduling ongoing treatment so you do not risk paying out of pocket later. Emergency Care Is Always Covered If you suffer a serious injury at work, you can go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care for immediate treatment. Emergency care never counts as one of your two doctor choices under Illinois law.
Can You Choose Your Own Doctor for Workers’ Compensation in Illinois

How to Protect Your Rights After a Workplace Injury

To avoid complications with your workers’ compensation claim:
  1. Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible (within 45 days under Illinois law).
  2. Choose your doctor carefully and make sure referrals are properly documented.
  3. Keep copies of all medical records, treatment notes, and communications with your employer or insurance company.
  4. If your employer tries to force you to see their doctor or denies payment for your chosen provider, consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney right away.

Speak With an Experienced Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Navigating the Illinois workers’ compensation system can be confusing, especially when employers or insurance carriers try to limit your medical choices. At Phillips Law Offices, our attorneys have decades of experience representing injured workers across Chicago and throughout Illinois.We understand how to protect your right to fair medical care and full compensation for your work-related injuries.Learn more about how we can help by visiting our Workers’ Compensation page or call (312) 598-0917 to schedule a free consultation.

Phillips Law Offices10 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3500Chicago, IL 60603(312) 598-0917Dedicated to protecting the rights of injured Illinois workers.

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