Workers' compensation
Workers' Compensation Clinic Care in Chicago and the Suburbs
What a work injury visit covers
- A history of the incident: what you were doing, when it happened and what you felt
- A physical examination of the injured area
- A treatment plan written for your injury and your job duties
- A work status note describing what you can and cannot do while you recover
- Referrals for imaging or pain management when the provider finds they are needed
Care for the injuries work causes
IIC's providers see back and neck injuries from lifting and falls, shoulder and knee injuries, hand and wrist problems from repeated motion, and injuries from crashes in work vehicles. Treatment is hands-on and progressive: reduce pain first, restore movement, then rebuild the strength the job requires.
Billing is handled with the employer or insurer
When treatment is for a work injury, Illinois law directs the provider to bill the employer directly. For a covered injury, a provider may not bill the worker for the difference between its charge and the amount the employer or its insurer paid.
If a claim is on file with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, a provider must stop collecting from the worker while the claim is pending. Bills that remain unpaid after the claim is resolved can become the worker's responsibility. IIC's staff can explain how billing applies to your visit before you are seen.
Choosing IIC as your doctor
In general, an injured worker in Illinois may choose two physicians, and referrals made by those physicians are covered within the same choice. Emergency care does not count as a choice. If your employer has a Preferred Provider Program, treating outside it counts as one of your two choices.
Records your claim may need
Every visit is documented. With your written authorization, IIC sends visit notes, work status notes and bills to the parties handling your claim, so the medical side of your file stays complete.
Common questions
Do I need my employer's permission to be seen?
In general, Illinois allows an injured worker to choose their own physician. Telling your employer about the injury and where you are being treated helps the billing go to the right place.
What should I bring to the first visit?
Bring a photo ID, your employer's name and address, the date of the injury and any claim number or insurer information you have been given.
Will I get a note for work?
Yes. The provider writes a work status note at the visit describing any restrictions.
Do you treat injuries that built up over time?
Yes. Providers evaluate repetitive strain problems as well as injuries from a single incident, and document what you report about your job duties.
Do I pay at the visit?
For a covered work injury, IIC bills the employer or its insurer directly. Staff can explain how billing applies to your visit before you are seen.
Injured at work? Call Illinois Injury Clinics to schedule an evaluation.
This page is general information about Illinois workers' compensation and is not legal advice. Every claim is different.