If you’re injured at work in Chicago, your employer or their insurance company may tell you that you must treat at a company clinic. Many injured workers are immediately sent to places like Concentra Medical Center or another employer-selected occupational health clinic.

While these clinics are commonly used in workers’ compensation cases, Illinois law usually gives you the right to choose your own doctor. Knowing that right early can protect both your medical care and your workers’ compensation claim.

Do You Have the Right to Choose Your Own Workers’ Comp Doctor in Illinois?

In most Illinois workers’ compensation cases, yes — you can choose your own doctor.

If you need immediate medical care, you can go to any emergency room or medical provider, even before reporting the injury to your employer. After the injury is reported, your employer may recommend a clinic or doctor, but you are not automatically required to continue treatment there.

Insurance companies often prefer company clinics like Concentra Medical Center because those providers see a high volume of work injuries and communicate regularly with insurers. That does not mean they are required or best for your recovery.

👉 Learn more about your rights under Illinois law on our
Illinois Workers’ Compensation page

Company Clinics and Preferred Provider Programs (PPP)

Some employers participate in a Preferred Provider Program (PPP), which is a network of approved medical providers. This is often why injured workers are directed to company clinics shortly after an injury.

Even if your employer has a PPP:

You may opt out of the program
You can opt out after treatment has already started
Once you opt out, you may choose your own treating doctor
You can change doctors if you feel your care is inadequate

You are not required to stay with a company clinic if it is not in your best interest.

👉 If your employer is refusing to allow you to switch doctors, speak with a
Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer right away.

Can You Switch Doctors After Seeing a Company Clinic?

Yes. Many injured workers start treatment at a clinic like Concentra because they are told they have no other option. Later, they realize they are being released back to work too quickly or that important treatment is being delayed.

You should consider changing doctors if:

You feel pressured to return to work before you are ready
Your pain or work restrictions are being minimized
Requests for MRIs, physical therapy, or referrals are denied
The doctor does not understand the physical demands of your job

Your treating doctor’s opinions directly affect your benefits, work status, and settlement value.

Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) and Employer-Selected Doctors

Employers are allowed to request an Independent Medical Examination (IME) with a doctor of their choosing. This does not replace your treating physician and does not eliminate your right to choose your own doctor for ongoing care.

In our experience, one of the most common providers workers’ compensation insurance companies use for IMEs is Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, including locations in Chicago and Oak Brook.

An IME is usually a one-time evaluation. While insurers rely heavily on these exams, an IME opinion alone cannot automatically cut off your workers’ compensation benefits.

Why Choosing the Right Doctor Matters in a Workers’ Comp Case

The doctor treating your work injury controls:

Whether you are taken off work
When you can return to work
What medical treatment is approved
What opinions appear in your medical records

Choosing a doctor who takes your injury seriously — and is not financially tied to the insurance company — can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

👉 If your claim has already been questioned or denied, visit our
Illinois workers’ comp denied claim attorney page

Get Help Protecting Your Right to Medical Care

If your employer or the insurance company is interfering with your medical treatment or forcing you toward company doctors, legal help can protect your rights.

McHargue & Jones, LLC has been fighting for injured workers in Chicago since 2000. We help clients protect their right to choose their own doctor and pursue full workers’ compensation benefits.