Should I Use My Own Doctor When Getting Evaluated for Workers' Compensation?

 Posted on June 19, 2026 in Workers' Compensation

Illinois law generally allows you to choose your own treating physician after a work-related injury, although exceptions may apply if your employer has a valid preferred provider program. There can be advantages to seeing a physician you trust, since your treating doctor may play an important role in documenting your injuries, recommending treatment, and determining your work restrictions and recovery.

If you were hurt at work in 2026, a Bloomington workers' compensation attorney can help you understand your rights, including your options for medical treatment and how to protect your claim.

Can I Choose My Own Doctor for a Workers' Compensation Injury in Illinois?

Illinois does not require that employees use the doctors that their employers provide for workers’ comp claims. This is unique among many states and gives employees more control over their care.

Under 820 ILCS 305/8(a), if your employer has a valid preferred provider program, you may choose to opt out of it. Opting out counts as one of your two choices of medical providers under Illinois' "two-doctor rule." If your treatment is reasonable, necessary, and related to your work injury, your employer's workers' compensation insurance is generally responsible for paying the covered medical expenses.

Any specialist your chosen doctor refers you to, such as an orthopedist or physical therapist, doesn't count as a separate choice. Rather, they fall under the umbrella of your chosen doctor. Your family physician can be your first choice, and the specialists they send you to do not count as your second choice for care.

Why Does It Matter Which Doctor Treats My Work Injury in Illinois?

The doctor who treats you can play a major role in both your health and your claim. If you only see a doctor chosen by your employer, there's a risk they may understate your injury, clear you for work before you’re healed, or leave out details that support your case. Companies’ insurance providers benefit when they can pay out smaller claims. This motivates some of them to partner with doctors who may be more likely to side with them.

Your own doctor is likely focused on your actual recovery. They can provide credible records and testimony if your claim is later disputed. They also likely have a better understanding of your previous medical history.

Your options to switch to another doctor later are limited unless they are approved, so choose the provider you believe will be your best advocate.

Can I Use My Own Doctor for an Independent Medical Examination?

An independent medical examination, or IME, is a separate evaluation arranged by your employer's insurance company. Under Illinois law, your employer's insurer can require you to attend an IME with a physician of its choosing to assess your condition. You generally must attend or risk having your benefits suspended.

You do not get to choose the doctor for an IME. The IME doctor doesn't become your treating physician, though. Rather, they give the insurer an opinion on your condition. If the IME report minimizes the severity of your condition, your own physician's records can help counter it.

What Should I Do to Strengthen My Illinois Workers' Compensation Claim?

Take the following steps to make sure your claim doesn’t become complicated by logistical issues:

• Report the injury to your employer, preferably in writing, within 45 days. This is required by Illinois law.

• Carefully consider which doctor or doctors you will see and fill out the required paperwork to get relevant care covered by your provider.

• Follow your treatment plan. Failure to do so can indicate that your condition is not as serious as you claim.

Be aware that if your employer has an approved Preferred Provider Program, your choices may be limited to that network unless you opt out in writing. Ask your employer if this is the case if you want to be treated by your own physician.

Call a Decatur, IL Workers' Compensation Attorney Today

If you’re unsure how to arrange to be seen by your own doctor after a work injury, speak to a lawyer with experience in these cases.

Our Bloomington, IL workers’ compensation lawyers bring over 100 years of combined experience to our clients’ cases. Attorney Todd Bresney's background includes work at the Federal Trade Commission and the State's Attorney's Office for Cook County. Call Kanoski Bresney at 888-826-8682 today for a free consultation.