Can I Get a Second Opinion on Workers’ Comp in Illinois?

At Walton Telken, our workers’ compensation attorneys frequently hear from employees in Edwardsville who feel unsure about a medical evaluation or treatment plan after a workplace injury. Many ask, “Can I get a second opinion on workers’ comp in Illinois?” The answer is yes. Illinois law permits injured workers to get a second medical opinion at the employer’s expense, provided it is reasonable and necessary. This ensures an accurate diagnosis and better treatment options. Consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to understand your rights and ensure legal compliance.

Getting a Second Opinion

When an employee disagrees with an employer’s chosen doctor, the law allows a second medical evaluation. Workers in Illinois can make an alternative selection from the employer’s approved medical panel, according to 820 ILCS 305/8. If an injury occurs away from the employer’s business or limits access to that panel, the selection process can differ. The second physician may also arrange necessary consultations or referrals outside the panel, and those services can fall under the employer’s financial responsibility when deemed reasonable under the law.

Right to a Second Opinion

Illinois employees have the right to seek another medical opinion after a workplace injury. The Workers’ Compensation Act allows up to two treating physicians, including specialists referred by those doctors. When an employer uses a Preferred Provider Program (PPP), an employee may use network providers or opt out in writing. Each doctor and their referrals count toward the two allowed choices. These rules protect employees’ control over medical care and prevent reliance on a single opinion, often leading to more accurate diagnoses and stronger claim documentation.

When to Seek One

A worker may consider another medical opinion when pain persists, healing stalls, or the original treatment plan seems incomplete. Additional testing or a new specialist can reveal injuries missed during the first exam. especially in cases that later require surgery, which can significantly impact the value of a workers’ compensation claim. A second physician might also identify different therapy options that better support recovery. Employees commonly pursue another opinion when they sense the company doctor undervalues their condition or prematurely releases them to return to work. Independent confirmation of an injury’s severity can also strengthen the overall case if disputes arise with the insurance carrier.

How to Proceed

Follow the Process

Requesting another medical opinion involves several important steps. Notify the employer about the request and verify whether a Preferred Provider Program applies. If opting out of a PPP, provide written notice to maintain the right to choose an outside physician. After confirming eligibility, schedule the appointment with the selected physician and document all communications, tests, and medical recommendations. Documentation connecting the new evaluation to the original injury supports reimbursement and helps prevent coverage disputes. Employers cannot deny payment for authorized, reasonable second-opinion services that follow these procedures.

Consult with an Attorney

Disagreements over medical treatment or doctor choice often complicate workers’ compensation claims. At Walton Telken, our Edwardsville workers’ compensation lawyers assist injured workers throughout the process, from verifying physician selections to ensuring reimbursement for approved medical services. Contact us at 844-307-7349 or online to schedule your free consultation and secure the legal support you need for your recovery.

Troy E. Walton

In his two decades of practice, Troy E. Walton has successfully resolved several plaintiffs’ personal injury cases resulting in significant recoveries to his clients. Troy’s compassionate client advocacy has also resulted in major successes against powerful entities such as the U.S. Army and the Illinois State Police. In recognition of these results and others, Troy was inducted into the Million Dollar Advocate’s Forum – an organization whose members include many of the top trial lawyers in the United States.

Years of experience: Over 25 years
Bar Admissions: Illinois, 2001 and Missouri, 2000
Location: Edwardsville, IL.