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Independent Medical Examinations (IME)

An independent medical examination (IME) can be scheduled at any time after the injury occurs. This examination is performed by a physician at the request of the workers’ compensation insurance carrier and is a doctor of the carrier’s choice. The Workers’ Compensation Act states that an injured worker must appear at an IME at a “reasonable time and place”. It is generally accepted that the insurance carrier is entitled to an IME every six months or two times per year. 

An injured worker’s refusal to attend an IME may lead to a Petition to Compel attendance at an IME and a request to suspend benefits. Since IMEs are used by the employer or insurance carrier to determine whether or not a job offer is made or a petition is filed, they should not be taken lightly and you should review these tips before attending an IME. 

  • Arrive at the appointment on time.

  • Call the doctor’s office in advance for directions if you are unsure of the location. If transportation is being arranged for you, confirm this with your attorney or paralegal. If you do not have an attorney, confirm the arrangements with the insurance carrier or the transportation company.

  • Make an attempt to attend the examination with your spouse, significant other or friend. One of you should bring a watch and time the examination. Try to note how much time is spent on the history portion of the examination (talking and filling out charts) and how much time on the physical examination.

  • Be honest, cooperative and polite with the doctor during the examination. At the same time, you should be concerned and serious.

  • Be sure to give the doctor an accurate and brief history of how your accident or injury occurred. Make sure that you describe all of your injuries suffered and mention each part of your body which was injured.

  • If you are asked about previous injuries be honest and tell the doctor the nature of any injuries and how those injuries occurred. You should always disclose any prior injuries whether they are work related or not.

  • Try to be as specific as possible when describing your pain. When speaking about your injuries or during the actual hands on examination, describe your pain as clearly and specifically as possible. For example, the pain can be a toothache; stabbing; shooting; burning; pins and needles sensation; or numbness.  

  • Do not talk about your accident or injuries in common areas of the doctor’s waiting room or elevators, etc. You do not know who is listening or whether or not a representative from the insurance carrier is present. Be aware that the doctor or one of his representatives may be watching you arrive at his or her office from the parking lot and when you return to your car.  

  • Never discuss money, settlement or retirement plans with the doctor. You can, however, discuss the financial strain workers’ compensation has placed on you and your family.

In our office, we like to speak to our clients both before and after the examination. If you have an attorney, you should inform him or her what took place at the IME.
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