Workers' Compensation
Workers' Compensation Services
At Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, we specialize in orthopedic care for injured workers. We proudly serve injured workers throughout the greater Chicago area and surrounding suburbs. Our comprehensive orthopedic injury services for workers help employees recover from work-related injuries and assist employers and case managers with timely, coordinated treatment plans.
Choose the Best Partner for Workers’ Compensation Services
When you choose Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR) for workers’ compensation services, you get a unique combination of clinical excellence and a streamlined experience. Our physicians are renowned experts in their field who specialize in non-operative interventions and minimally invasive surgical techniques. This depth of expertise enables us to properly evaluate and diagnose workplace injuries the first time and start patients on the path to rapid, sustainable recovery.
In addition to specialty-trained physicians, our team includes appointment supervisors and coordinators who assist with scheduling and much more. We work closely with patients, employers, nurse case managers, insurance providers and claims adjusters, attorneys, and other relevant parties to expedite every aspect of the process.
There’s nothing more important than the health and well-being of your workforce, and there’s no orthopedics group more capable of returning your employees to work safely and swiftly than Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush.
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General Surgery
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Headaches and Migraines
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Psychology (PTSD, Malingering, etc.)
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Return-to-work evaluations
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Work-related Injuries
Work Injury Services
This is typically the first step after a workplace injury. It involves a thorough clinical assessment to diagnose the injury, determine the appropriate treatment plan, and begin the recovery process. Timely evaluation and treatment are essential for effective care and case management.
An IME is often requested by employers, insurers, or attorneys to obtain an objective medical opinion about the employee’s condition. It helps assess the cause of the injury, the extent of impairment, and the necessity of continued treatment.
This evaluation determines whether an employee is physically and/or psychologically able to return to work safely. It assesses their ability to perform job-specific tasks and helps guide return-to-work decisions or accommodations.
An FCE is a detailed assessment that measures an individual’s physical capabilities in relation to specific job requirements. It is often used to evaluate job readiness, rehabilitation progress, and the need for work restrictions or modifications.
Conducted after the employee reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), an IR determines the percentage of permanent physical impairment resulting from the injury. This rating can impact benefit eligibility and claim resolution.
A Medical Record Review involves a detailed analysis of an injured worker’s medical history and documentation. It can be performed at various stages of a case to support decision-making, clarify diagnoses, or evaluate treatment effectiveness, often informing IMEs or second opinions.
A second opinion is typically requested when there is disagreement or uncertainty about a previous diagnosis or treatment plan. It provides an additional medical perspective to ensure accurate diagnoses, appropriate treatment, and fair outcomes.
For Employers and Case Managers
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Coordinated care plans
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Streamlined communication
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Documentation and reporting support
Scheduling Hours |
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| Monday | 7 am to 5 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am to 5 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am to 5 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am to 5 pm |
| Friday | 7 am to 5 pm |
Ready to Set up an Appointment?
Return your workforce to full strength by requesting an IME or other Workers’ Compensation appointment today. Call 708-236-2783 or request an appointment below.
Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
In Illinois, injured workers generally have the right to choose two treating physicians of their choice, including an orthopedic specialist. Employers cannot typically require an injured worker to see only a company-designated doctor, with limited exceptions such as employer-sponsored Preferred Provider Networks. Patients are encouraged to verify their specific coverage details with their case manager or attorney.
An IME is a one-time evaluation performed by an orthopedic specialist not involved in the patient's treatment, usually requested by an employer, insurance carrier, or attorney. The IME physician reviews records, examines the patient, and provides an independent written opinion on diagnosis, causation, treatment, and work status. IMEs are not treatment visits. Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush provides IMEs across multiple orthopedic subspecialties.
An FCE is a structured assessment — usually 2 to 4 hours long — that measures an injured worker's physical abilities, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and endurance. Results are used to determine appropriate work restrictions, return-to-work readiness, and whether job modifications are needed. FCEs are typically performed by a physical or occupational therapist and reviewed by the treating physician.
A Medical Records Review is a physician-led review of a patient's medical records without a physical examination, used to provide an opinion on diagnosis, causation, treatment reasonableness, or work restrictions. MRRs are often requested by insurance carriers or attorneys when an in-person examination is not needed. Reports are written in a format designed for claims and legal use.
An impairment rating quantifies the permanent physical loss of function after a work injury has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Ratings are typically calculated using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment and are expressed as a percentage of whole-person or body-part impairment. The rating is used by workers' compensation systems to determine permanency benefits.
A referral is not typically required, though some employer PPO arrangements may have specific steps to follow. Injured workers can request a workers' comp appointment directly through our intake team, who will coordinate with the case manager, employer, or attorney as needed.
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush typically offers same-week appointments for acute work injuries, and same- or next-day availability at many of our seven Chicago-area locations. Prompt evaluation helps clarify diagnosis, establish appropriate restrictions, and start treatment without delays that can affect both recovery and the claim.