If you’ve been hurt on the job, one of the first and most important questions you may ask is: Can I choose my own doctor?
Yes. In most cases, Illinois law gives you the right to choose your own doctor or hospital when seeking treatment for a work-related injury. However, there are important rules and exceptions you need to understand, especially if your employer has a Preferred Provider Program (PPP) in place.
At The Law Offices of Parente and Norem, we help injured workers across the state understand and protect their medical rights under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
Your Right to Medical Choice in Illinois
Under Illinois workers’ compensation law, your employer is required to pay 100% of all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your job injury.
This includes:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Diagnostic testing (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Specialist referrals
In most situations, you are allowed to choose up to two doctors of your own choosing, plus any additional providers those doctors refer you to for further care or diagnostic testing. This is commonly known as the two-doctor rule.
The purpose of this rule is to protect injured workers. It ensures that you can receive treatment from providers you trust. The doctors who prioritize your recovery and long-term health, not just a fast return to work.
The Two-Doctor Rule
Illinois gives injured workers control over their care, but the choices you make matter.
You are typically allowed:
- Two independent doctor selections
- Unlimited referrals from those chosen providers
However, if you switch doctors without a referral, that change may count as your second allowed choice. Once both selections are used, additional changes may not be covered unless approved.
Many injured workers unknowingly use up one of their choices by visiting a walk-in clinic or an employer recommended provider immediately after the injury. That initial visit can count as your first selection under the law.
Making informed decisions early is critical.
What If Your Employer Has a Preferred Provider Program (PPP)?
If your employer has established a Workers’ Compensation Commission approved Preferred Provider Program (PPP), the rules change slightly.
Here’s how it works:
- Your first choice of provider must come from the PPP network unless you opt out in writing.
- If you choose to opt out, you are then limited to one non-PPP doctor of your choosing, plus any referrals from that provider.
- Once you’ve used your permitted selections, switching providers again can become more complicated and may not be covered.
Employers must properly notify you if a PPP applies. If they fail to do so, those restrictions may not be enforceable.
Because these rules directly affect your treatment options, understanding whether a PPP exists, and how it impacts your rights, is essential.
Why Your Choice of Doctor Matters
Not all medical providers approach workers’ compensation cases the same way.
When a doctor is closely affiliated with an employer or insurance network, there may be pressure, subtle or direct, to:
- Downplay the seriousness of your injury
- Release you to return to work prematurely
- Delay or deny referrals to specialists
- Limit diagnostic testing
Your medical records play a major role in determining your wage benefits, disability rating, and settlement value. The right doctor can make a significant difference in documenting the full extent of your injury and ensuring you receive appropriate treatment.
Choosing your own independent provider often means working with someone whose primary focus is your recovery; not cost control or company timelines.
Early Guidance Can Protect Your Claim
Workers’ compensation claims are often won or lost based on what happens in the first few weeks after an injury. A simple mistake, such as selecting the wrong provider or failing to understand a PPP requirement, can limit your treatment options and complicate your case.
At The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, we guide injured workers through every step of the process. We help you:
- Determine whether your employer has a valid PPP
- Understand how the two-doctor rule applies to your situation
- Make informed decisions about your medical providers
- Avoid mistakes that could restrict your care
- Pursue full medical coverage and wage benefits
Free Consultation Available
If you’ve been injured at work and are unsure about your right to choose your own doctor in Illinois, you don’t have to navigate the system alone.
Contact The Law Offices of Parente & Norem at 312.641.5926 or fill out a form here on our website for a free consultation. We’ll help you protect your medical rights, understand your options, and fight for the full care and compensation you deserve, so you can focus on healing and moving forward with confidence.
