Illinois Workers’ Comp Physical Therapy: Referral, Authorization, and What If PT Is Stopped

Physical therapy (PT) can help you regain strength, movement, and function after a work injury — but in Illinois workers’ compensation, PT is not automatic. It usually needs a doctor’s referral and, in many cases, insurer authorization. This guide explains the steps, what to track, and what to do if PT is stopped. It is general information only — see the Disclaimer.

En español: Terapia física por una lesión laboral en Illinois: referencia, autorización y qué hacer si la detienen

1. Get a referral

Ask your treating doctor for a written PT referral that states the body part, the diagnosis or problem, how often PT is recommended, and any restrictions. Keep a copy. If you do not have a doctor yet, see Choosing your own doctor and the two-doctor rule — remember the two-doctor limit before you change doctors.

2. Authorization and visit limits

Your doctor or PT clinic may need to get authorization from the workers’ compensation insurer before visits are paid. Ask, in writing, whether authorization was requested, granted, denied, or is still pending, and for how many visits. Visit limits are not the same for every injury or insurer, and they can change — do not assume a number you heard applies to you. Keep every authorization letter and denial.

3. Progress notes and restrictions

At each visit, PT progress notes should record what was done, how you responded, and whether you are improving, staying the same, or getting worse. Bring your current work restrictions to every appointment, tell the therapist about new or worsening symptoms, and ask that restrictions be updated if your condition changes. Follow restrictions at work — see Return to work and light duty.

4. What if PT is stopped?

• Ask for the reason in writing — was it authorization, a visit limit, a utilization review decision, or a doctor’s order?
• Ask your doctor whether more PT, a different plan, or a re-evaluation is needed, and get that in writing.
• Keep attending appointments until you have a written change, unless a doctor tells you otherwise.
• If you disagree with a denial, see Claim denied and IME and utilization review, and consider talking with a lawyer.

We do not publish provider names yet, so confirm with the clinic that it accepts workers’ compensation and that authorization is in place before your first visit. To request help finding care, use Connect with a provider. That is a request, not a booking or guarantee, and the provider will discuss authorization and availability directly with you.

Verify current rules against the IWCC handbook. Related: After a work injury, Benefits overview, FAQs.