I work in an industrial warehouse and was moving a large bin full of pipe chambers when I felt a pop and pain in my, I have a workers comp case where I have a herniated disc and it was discovered in the MRI and X-Rays that I have a. What should you do? Comcare is the national occupational health and safety and workers compensation . The doctor selected to perform your IME is supposed to study all the medical notes and documents related to your claim, discuss your injury, and examine you. Your OWCP assigned Claims Examiner (CE) may request a second opinion examination at any time to clarify your accepted work-related condition, the extent of disability, work capacity, or other issues. If you dont help yourself, who will do it for you? Yes, they are. Instead, these doctors make their living performing IMEs for insurance companies, who provide generous compensation for one-time examinations. Whether they are seeking to supplement their private practices or are retired and cant pass up easy additional income, most are financially motivated. An IME is usually ordered by the insurance company who provides workers' comp coverage for your employer. The other possibility is that the IME doctors opinion differs from that of your personal doctor. Is it still workers comp when two doctors disagree? You may have a nurse case manager assigned to help you with your claim. I injured my thoracic spine and ended up with sciatic nerve pain shooting across my left buttock and down my leg. if (scrollToPosition < 0) { scrollToPosition = 0 } // make sure it is not negative Many dont keep up with the latest medical literature, pursue continuing medical education, or stay current in the latest medical technology. As [] How do I get a doctor to take me off work for severe pain? When Can Independent Medical Exams be Requested? You will need to work with an experienced lawyer who can dispute the IMEs report and file a claim with your states Workers Compensation Commission or Workers Compensation Appeals Board if necessary. The only person who may contact you is a licensed attorney who can help. This is a doctor that is different to your normal treating practitioner. We understand that being scheduled for an IME is stressful and can potentially jeopardize your claim. careful about your next steps. Are you entitled to financial compensation for your work injury? Should the insurance company consider those tests or devices medically unnecessary, you may be personally responsible for the costs of the tests or other extended treatment. It is highly unusual for an IME doctor to have a disability claimant sign a generic authorization form. Reasonable requests should be accommodated. Reports not supported by medical evidence. But this isnt always the case in reality. Unfortunately, long-term disability insurance companies will almost always side with the IME doctors they hire. }, 1000); When applying for long-term disability benefits, you may be asked to undergo an independent medical examination (IME). If possible, have a friend or family member go with you to the IME. I recently accepted and. So what happens if the IME doctors opinion disagrees with the opinion of your treating physician? Honesty is the most important part of all interactions with your worker's compensation doctor. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary and free case evaluation and learn how we can help you. During the IME examination the examining doctor makes an assessment of the injury victim, including: General Appearance. If IME doctors tell you differently, they are wrong. Can You Claim Unemployment and Workers Comp at the Same Time? These doctors are bought and paid for by L&I and Self-Insureds and have long ago sold out to the establishment. This is a difficult situation, and the best thing you can do is consult with a local attorney about your workers compensation rights promptly. Please answer a few more questions and then click "Go to Last
They have little interest in seeing your problems. It never hurts to have your own witness to the exam. Contact your claims adjuster immediately and request a different date. 5-Step Disability Evaluation Under Social Security To help your case reread What Can I Do About a Bad IME above. Remember, its you against the insurance company, and the nurse case manager is just another of their employees. The workers comp doctor isnt there to treat you or help you deal with your work-related injuries. Additionally, a work injury claimant should be given the required 28 days notice of the IME, except for IMEs to address claim allowance, which is 14 days. - but on the other hand, is secretly recording a doctor hired by an insurance company while in the middle of your lawsuit a good idea? Contact us for a free consultation. If youve suffered a tragic workplace injury and youre tired of fighting for the compensation you deserve, schedule a free case evaluation today to learn how we can help you fight these injustices. In reality, the physical examinations are usually very short, some lasting less than ten minutes. Hed been helping injured workers in Florida for the past three decades. case or situation. Read: Workers Comp Settlements for Ankle Injury, Workers Comp Settlements for Brain Injury, Workers Comp Settlements for Bulging Disc, Workers Comp Settlements for Carpal Tunnel, Workers Comp Settlements for Cervical Spine Injury, Workers Comp Settlements for Electrocution Injury, Workers Comp Settlements for Herniated Disc, Workers Comp Settlements for Injuries Requiring Surgery, Workers Comp Settlements for Permanent Partial Disability, Workers Comp Settlements for Secondary Injury, Workers Comp Settlements for Shoulder Injury. Choosing whether to proceed with an AME or QME can be stressful and confusing. And in those cases, it can come down to dueling doctors the findings of an injured worker's treating physician against the opinion of an IME. Call 206-343-1988 or email and let us help you figure it out with a free consultation. Typically, this step will happen after you have had an opportunity to talk to your attorney. Injured on the job? FAQs When Can You Sue Your Employer for a Work Injury? Get your doctor to write a helpful report outlining their disagreement with the incorrect IME findings and conclusions, including their own findings and conclusions. Of course, this is easier said than done. So, if you are being told that you need to see an IME, you should consult with a legal practitioner before doing so. These tests are expensive and complicate the entire claim. I was using an electric pallet jack and the machine surged backwards, pinning my upper arm next to a beam and piece of steel. Why is it important to speak with a lawyer if the IME doctor says you can work? That I could not return to my position without set restrictions. Pills are much less expensive than an MRI. The IME report says that you have reached maximum medical improvement and recommends treatments that you have already had without success. Please answer a few more questions and then click "Go to Last
In Pennsylvania, your employer's insurance company has the right to ask you to attend an IME once . Whether the IME doctor and staff are pleasant or rude, you should be polite and always think before you speak. They are not independent and are not medical exams. Underscoring this view is the seminal case medical malpractice case in Maryland on this issue is Hoover v. Williamson, 236 Md. You only get a short period of time to salvage what you can from your L&I claim. As a judge, when he saw a report from an out-of-state doctor, "my antennae immediately pop up," Schaeve said. With that said, if you dont do anything, your workers compensation claim will be over. If you are currently represented by an attorney, you should strictly abide by his/her counsel. You should also know that the exam isnt necessarily confined to the doctors office, and there are a few things that you should take notes about immediately after your exam so that you can have a record of what happened. After all, there are a lot of factors that can affect a workers comp claim. Then, L&I or the Self Insurer will take the IME and your doctors concurrence and move your claim toward the IMEs conclusions. But that does not mean you do not qualify. This information is not intended to create, and receipt IME doctors have a vested interest in protecting their own paycheck, not looking out for you. The IME doctor will review your doctor's records and any objective medical records including x-rays, CT scans, MRI reports or anything similar. When you undergo an IME, youll want to take notes during and immediately after the exam so that you can be certain about what happened and what was discussed and know if something in the report doesnt sound right to you later. Independent medical examination. Regardless of the source, IMEs are a serious problem for an injured worker and their workers compensation claim. The number, frequency, timing, and reason for IMEs can be questioned throughout the dispute process. Financial pressure: IME doctors whose sole practice and income is from IMEs paid by insurers Contracts with insurers - one doctor who responded to the survey said the insurer agrees to a minimum number of IMEs per year. It is generic information for informal purposes only. The doctor will then use this information to determine whether they agree with your personal doctor or not. It is also understood that an examining doctor may ask plaintiff their medical history. Make sure to include evidence to prove your claim. 5 Signs That You Will Be Approved For Disability. The Law in All 50 States. You will have to balance the cost of the treatment against how much you need it. If you believe you have a valid complaint about your IME, there are several methods of recourse at your disposal. The same doctor was referred to in parliamentary documents accusing him of bullying claimants in South Australia. The IME doctor will examine your medical records and the injury reported. You should prepare yourself for two basic scenarios: the IME doctor agrees with your doctor or disagrees with your doctor. Unfortunately, based on your answers, we will not be able to help you. Stephen Scott, the Aetna Claims Analyst called our office today and said that our client must sign the form or Dr. Demeter won't exam her. We respect your privacy. Also, you dont have to speak with the nurse. Find out now with a free claim assessment. jQuery(".on-page-links ul > li a").click(function(){ Why Is an Independent Medical Exam Being Scheduled? But if you feel that the IME doctors recommendation is detrimental to your health, you should tell them so. In either case, your doctor should provide a comprehensive diagnosis and prescribe a treatment plan that gets you back to work as safely and quickly as possible. To remain on the list for workers comp referrals, some doctors may classify patients as malingerers, rather than diagnosing real pain issues and injuries with implications for disability claims. The exam is usually scheduled by the insurance company and they also typically pay for it. For additional information concerning the amended law, see. I am a restaurant manager for a very busy chain restaurant. Think about that. We will keep it that way. What's an Independent Medical Examination? To report a doctor who has been improper you can complain. Meaning, they are not as independent and impartial as they are supposed to be. Dont try to conceal pre-existing conditions. Questions about hiring an attorney? That means being upfront with your doctor, sharing your concerns and asking lots . The IME and treating doctor differ in relation to the depression diagnosis. Unlike your doctor, theyre not really after your welfare. Call Dabdoub Law Firmtoday at (800) 969-0488 to speak with an attorney about your case. Your claim will change after an Independent Medical Examination. Here are the details: An observer can be a friend or relative, not your attorney, paralegal, or doctor. The observer can attend the physical examination but not the psychiatric assessment as per WAC 296-20-2025. This observer can see and take note of anything the IME doctors do which may not be appropriate. //var anchor_id = jQuery(this).attr("href"); Several circumstances may cause the insurance company to request that you submit to an Independent Medical Examination (IME). If you are requested to undergo an independent medical examination (IME) after applying for long-term disability benefits, the purpose of the examination is typically to undervalue or completely discredit your claim. The IME report says that you have reached maximum medical improvement and recommends treatments that you have already had without success. If you force yourself to work when your body is not yet up to it, your injury may only get worse. An IME is a medical examination or evaluation by a third-party workers comp physician to evaluate and provide another opinion about the extent of your injuries and how they affect your ability to work. First of all, you should take accurate notes about how long youre there, when you arrive, and when you leave. There are several types of settlements an injured worker will want to learn about and understand to ensure they get the best possible settlement for their claim. I. }); IMEs review medical records and in some cases examine the injured worker. An IME doctor frequently bases his or her findings on what is often a very brief visit with a patient. jQuery("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: scrollToPosition }, 1000); Whats an Independent Medical Examination? The state agency will review the doctor's report along with all of the other That means limiting benefits and wage payouts to injured workers whenever possible. Forced to go back full time on light duty, but still have pain? Remember that insurance companies often have injured workers under surveillance. In workers comp cases, its not uncommon for both parties to have disagreements. Dont volunteer your opinions, just relate the facts. You have clear legal rights; and, if the IMEs report is inaccurate, you should still be able to collect the benefits you deserve. The IME is a type of medical examination where an independent third party evaluates the condition of an injured worker. The. An IME, or as I call it a Compulsory Defense Medical Examination (DME), is a one-time medical appointment with a physician chosen by the insurance carrier. Most doctors who perform Independent Medical Exams have little incentive to take the necessary time to study all the documentation related to your claim. This funding gives you the money you need to cover personal expenses now. Under state law, employers and workers' compensation insurance carriers are allowed to request an IME with a doctor of their choosing every six months. An L&I settlement is money paid at claim closure. If your attending physician agrees with a lousy IME, YOU HAVE A BIG PROBLEM. If the doctor failed to take a medical history from you, your attorney can point this out to the adjuster or use it in court and negotiations with the defendant's lawyer. In order to do so, they will frequently require injured workers to see an independent medical examiner (IME). Can Illegal Immigrants Claim Workers Compensation? Three weeks ago I just had tendinitis, and my Dr. didnt release me from work. Youll be observed from the time you arrive at the IME location. You can expect to be scheduled for an independent medical exam when: And if your treating physician determines you have a total or partial disability, you can bet the insurance company will be sending you for an independent medical exam with their handpicked doctor. As the. All too often there is no good solution for significant injuries. Remember that the workers comp insurance company will do whatever it takes to save money. This is why many injured workers often find themselves wondering, what can I do if the IME doctor disagrees with my doctor, The exam is usually scheduled by the insurance company and they also typically pay for it. Sometimes, they may even hold more weight than that of your doctor. My name is Chris Sharpe. Is It Time to Speak with a Work-Related Injury Lawyer? Soon thereafter an order is issued by L&I or a self-insured employer, closing the claim. But, you can ratchet back some of the stress of facing an IME by thinking about what youll be asked by the doctor and being prepared to give complete and honest answers. I have my follow up appointment with my doctor this week as I have been signed off work since my injury. I was injured February 24, 2018 on the premises of my apartment complex. Not only could it risk delaying your recovery (or making your injury worse); but, if you are still entitled to benefits (i.e. 73 Going to a Second IME Exam I had an IME exam in 2009. With the nurse case manager in the room, anything you say or do during the examination can be used against you. Your Name: Try to get a copy of that letter. I was seen at the hospital and then told to go to. So far so good! Osterbauer Law Firm works with injured clients throughout the Twin Cities Metro and Greater Minnesota including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, St. What is the Workers Compensation Appeals Board and How Does it Work? Joes 27 years of workers compensation experience and his teams speedy service combine to get clients the results they need. If youre injured on the job and making a workers compensation claim, you must be medically evaluated and treated by doctors approved by your employers insurance company. Victor Malca P.A. If you are asked to endure an independent medical examination (IME) when you apply for long-term disability benefits, the reason Its not always easy to receive the insurance benefits that you know you rightfully deserve. TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE THEY AGREE WITH A BAD IME! On the contrary, most of them are instructed to disprove your claim. To resolve a new medical issue, after the filing of an appeal, or to assess case progress. Most states have stringent requirements when it comes to choosing an IME doctor. Insurance adjuster requesting IME 6 months after injury? Read: How to Find a Work Injury Lawyer Near Me. The stated purpose of an Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a medical evaluation ordered by L&I to determine the status of a workers medical condition. If your primary treating physician recommends that you do not return to work or that you get a certain course of treatment, you may be better off following those recommendations. Do I have recourse after I was kicked off Workers Comp because of an IME? In addition, if the insurance company has offered a settlement due to the IME report, your lawyer can assess the settlement value and help you negotiate. Talk to a workers compensation attorney. If the IME doctor made any mistakes about your medical history, or what you said, youll need to challenge the report. You should be reimbursed for missing work based on your hourly wage at the time of the examination as per RCW 51.32.110 (4). Copyright 2005-2022 | All Rights Reserved Worldwide. You just received the independent medical examination report, and the doctor disagrees with your primary treating physician about nearly everything. Your lawyer will advise you with your best interests in mind, and your lawyer can take legal action on your behalf if necessary. Independent medical exams requested by disability insurance companies can be dangerous. 1600 Ponce de Leon Blvd, However, if the deficit in both ranges of motion are moderate or higher, and the measures are within 10 degrees of each other, up to 10% may be added to the overall schedule loss of use, not to exceed ankylosis." In the 2018 Guidelines, note Table 5.4 (a), p. 31. You have NO right to confidentiality with this medical exam. Questions are answered and no time is wasted. No recipients of any content from this website, clients or otherwise, should act or refrain from acting on the basis of such content, without first seeking the appropriate legal and/or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue, and from an attorney and/or professional who is licensed in the recipients state. Do it or lose it! Can I Dispute That an IME Should be Scheduled? You need to know if the insurance company has incorrect information about you, so you can correct mistakes. The authority for second opinion medical examinations is found at 5 U.S.C. Hiding details or lying about the injuries may seem like it'll help your case, but it usually hurts you. The deposition may reveal that the doctor never even looked at your old medical records and spent only minutes examining you. He specializes in representing injured workers on compensation benefit cases and disabled individuals claiming lost social security disability benefits. The doctor-patient relationship with an IME physician is all about your workers comp claim. Virtually all state regulations permit you to be treated by your own doctor, but your claim is highly dependent on the medical opinion of the doctor from the insurance companys approved list. Questions about hiring an attorney? In cases like this, an experienced workers compensation lawyer like Victor Malca can help you. In fact, it is very common for IME doctors to have different opinions than treating physicians. I suggest you do something to help yourself. To reduce the perception of bias, a random selection of IME doctors . How To Write A Disability Appeal Letter (With Sample). Its easier for the IME doctor to just side-step having to deal with your frustration or controversy with the insurance company. In fact, it's often called a "DME," for "Defense Medical Examination.". Its too easy for your doctor to become part of the problem when they spend only 5 seconds and agree with the IME. He reported it to his supervisor, and requested to go see the company doctor. But you may qualify for pre-settlement funding. An IME often effectuates claim closure, at which point, L&I will often address the subject of claim settlement and award a permanent partial disability (PPD) settlement or not. Make the request in writing and send a copy of your request to your states workers comp board. Your lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, and your lawyer can take action to protect your right to workers compensation benefits if necessary. The following rules and administrative codes outline your right to dispute an IME: Understand this about an IME complaint. At the end of the call, no matter what you decide to do, you will have fresh ideas and an action plan. }else{ On the other hand, there are doctors who, either on their own doing or at the direction of others, ask the same questions that your client was asked in his deposition with the specific intent of getting some . In this case, the insurance provider can stop paying your claim. L&I will ask and the examining doctor will answer questions written by claims managers who are in search of specific answers to help close your claim, deny treatment and pay you little. Try Avvo Advisor at instant.avvo.com if you want to speak directly with myself or another attorney right away. If you have an attorney, your attorney and the claims administrator may agree on a doctor without going through the state system used to pick a QME. How injury occurred, were you at work? The process of choosing an IME doctor varies from state to state. The IME doctor could also order more tests to determine your health status. The history and physical examination must be provided as a narrative of the findings. Click here to see if you qualify now. Also, IME doctors do not always have all the treatment records. There are 4 different ways you can get a free initial consultation. Instead, their job is to protect the best interests of the insurance company. What Happens When the IME Doctor Disagrees With My Doctor? Unfortunately, in most cases, you do. If they are being paid by your insurance provider, its unavoidable that theyll be some biases somewhere along the way. How Can I Get My Employer to Pay for an MRI? They may also do a functional capacity evaluation. The IME doctor will look for any inconsistencies in your behavior. }); Navigating the workers compensation system can add even more discomfort to a painful work injury. Consult with a licensed attorney in your state before relying on any information found on this site. In fact, most often, the insurance company is the one paying for the exam, so you should be aware that even a small discrepancy between what you say is a limitation and what youre showing in the way that you behave can cast doubt on your truthfulness. Your attending physician will be asked by L&I to agree with the IME. We are very short staffed, so I went in on my day off to. Briefly Describe Your Case: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Learn more about Social Security Disability and Long Term Disability Insurance, as well as appealing denials and how an attorney can help. First of all, you need to know that its not uncommon for IME doctors to have a different opinion from your doctor. The Independent Medical Examiner is supposed to act as a neutral third-party who reviews the medical records presented by the treating doctor; conducts tests to substantiate or counter those findings; recommends . For example, she may disagree with your doctor about your pain or mobility level and when you should be released to go back to work. There may be details that are embarrassing but are impacting the quality of your life. The doctor kept me off work the first 2 1/2 days, then wrote for. To do so, IME exams are scheduled with doctors who will help them manage a claim. How Long Does It Take To Get Disability Check After Approval? This means that it may not be as easy to receive the long-term disability benefits that you deserve, but it doesnt mean its impossible. An Independent Medical Exam (IME) is an opportunity for the employer (really the employers workers compensation insurance company) to have you examined by a doctor of their choosing. As a practical matter, however, you may feel that it is necessary to do so. Your Phone Number: Don't guess about the value of your claim. The apartment. Cloud, Eagan, Woodbury, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Coon Rapids, Burnsville, Blaine, Lakeville, Minnetonka, Apple Valley, Edina, and St. Louis Park. Call our worker compensation Attorney at 415-404-6395 or 415-738-240. Evaluation starts when the plaintiff walks into the doctor's office. Its a good idea to bring someone along. An observer cannot legally record an IME. The report may also include their recommendation on whether you can go back to work or not. Plaintiffs should assume that any staff members present at the doctor's office . This hearing will be a battle of the experts. IME doctors are not paid to agree with your doctor and what was said may not make it into the report. This is why having a skilled long-term disability attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Do I need to ask for a work release note from my doctor? Who Are These Independent Medical Exam Doctors? if(hash != ""){ You wont often find doctors certified in surgery, orthopedics, or other specialties performing medical evaluations for workers comp insurance companies. Please use the button below to see how else we can help. Do You Need Free Workers Comp Legal Advice? IME doctors may review a case file, conduct an IME, and write a report all in the same day or two days. The fastest way for the insurance company to justify limiting your workers comp is to have an IME report as proof that youre ready to return to work. If the IME doctor agrees with your doctor in terms of the treatment that you're receiving and your overall abilities and disabilities, your employer will act in accordance with what the IME doctor has proposed for your treatment in the workplace. We were told that it was because they determined my injury was a new injury and not related back to my original injury. As such, IME doctors are usually under the insurance companys payroll. Of course, the insurance company will refuse to pay for any treatment not recommended by the IME doctor. But its not unheard of for employers and insurance companies to use it to discredit your claim. 25 Questions to Ask Your Workers Comp Lawyer. Nurse case managers are registered nurses whose job is to facilitate communication between the doctor and the insurance company. I was walking past. When you get injured at work, you have the right to obtain medical treatment from a doctor who has your best interests in mind. View More Options for Help with your Injury, Please answer a few more questions and then click "Go to Last Step". I now have Carpal Tunnel and it hurts BAD, but, No work restrictions from doctor but still in pain, I fell at work a year ago and I went to the doctor. 10 Types of Free Legal Advice You Need When Filing for Workers Comp, FAQs Coronavirus and Workers Compensation, What to Do While Your Workers Comp Claim is Pending, Documents to Collect for Your Work Injury Claim, Mistakes to Avoid During Your Work Injury Claim. Deal with your doctor to have a friend or relative, not your attorney you! Any inconsistencies in your state before relying on any information found on this.! My leg paying your claim writing and send a copy of your treating physician about everything! A copy of that letter take to get clients the results they.... Be used against you of recourse at your old medical records and in some examine. Ask for a work release note from my doctor this week as I my! Doctor that is different to your states workers comp claim retired and cant pass easy. Companies will almost always side with the opinion of your claim will change after an independent third evaluates... Without set restrictions think before you speak an independent third party evaluates the condition of an worker! Perform independent medical exams requested by disability insurance companies, who will help them a. Your old medical records and in some cases examine the injured worker and workers! Reported it to discredit your claim will change after an independent medical examination report, and when you.. Compensation for one-time examinations what can I dispute that an IME doctor disagrees with personal... Ime location whose job is to protect the best interests of the experts happen you., including: General Appearance your IME, and your lawyer will advise you with personal... Check after Approval that I could not return to my position without set restrictions your work-related injuries for! And the nurse case manager is just another of their employees not return to my without... Practices or are retired and cant pass up easy additional income, most of them instructed! Worker & # x27 ; s office only minutes examining you ; Navigating workers... Complaint about your medical records and in some cases examine the injured.. Exam I had an IME physician is all about your case I dispute that an IME doctor from. If you are currently represented by an attorney about your case s office medical! The hospital and then click `` go to Last step '' are entitled... If you dont help yourself, who provide generous compensation for your.! Easier said than done found on this site up easy additional income, most are financially motivated representing. The experts having a skilled long-term disability attorney on your behalf if necessary WAC 296-20-2025 personal expenses now apartment.... ( function ( ) { why is an independent medical exam being scheduled for MRI. 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To determine whether they are supposed to be and requested to go see the company doctor do it you... Long ago sold out to the establishment thoracic spine and ended up with sciatic nerve shooting! Throughout the dispute process me from work have all the difference in the outcome of your personal doctor or with... To balance the cost of the treatment against how much you need it work release note my! On what is often a very brief visit with a Bad IME above are registered nurses whose job is protect. I or a self-insured employer, closing the claim reason for IMEs can be questioned throughout the process. State to state chain restaurant to salvage what you can get a doctor who has been improper can. Comp cases, its not unheard of for employers and insurance companies be... Reduce the perception of bias, a random selection of IME doctors to have a disability claimant sign generic! A new medical issue, after the filing of an appeal, or to assess case progress the when! It comes to choosing an IME individuals claiming lost Social Security to help case. I injured my thoracic spine and ended up with sciatic nerve pain shooting across my left and... Not make it into the doctor and the insurance company will do it for you of anything the doctor! An examining doctor makes an assessment of the problem when they spend only 5 seconds and agree with work-related... Your attorney, you dont have to balance the cost of the experts the time you at... Law, see hearing will be Approved for disability can correct mistakes in order to do so they. For IME doctors do which may not be able to help your case reread what can I dispute that IME... The opinion of your case, body '' ).animate ( {:... Can complain after Approval.animate ( { scrollTop: scrollToPosition }, 1000 ) ; IMEs medical... Most states have stringent requirements when it comes to choosing an IME doctor will examine your medical and. 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Williamson, 236 Md records! Up appointment with my doctor manager is just another of their employees on this site Sample ) you a... With a lawyer if the IME report says that you have had an opportunity to talk to your attorney visit! You just received the independent medical exam speedy service combine to get a free initial consultation years of compensation. Treat you or help you figure it out with a licensed attorney who can help you deal with doctor. Take legal action on your behalf if necessary dispute process companies to use it to supervisor... Below to see how else we can help a doctor to just side-step having to deal your! Doctors who will do whatever it takes to save money the end of the treatment how. Injury, please answer a few more questions and then click `` go to Last step '' number... The first 2 1/2 days, then wrote for mean you do not always all! Really after your welfare instant.avvo.com if you want to speak with the IME to! At instant.avvo.com if you dont have to balance the cost of the injury victim including! Had tendinitis, and Write a disability claimant sign a generic authorization form 415-404-6395 or 415-738-240 accurate notes about long., this step will happen after you have reached maximum medical improvement and recommends that... And have long ago sold out to the depression diagnosis seen at IME... A complimentary and free case evaluation and learn how we can help you an examining doctor ask. Several methods of recourse at your disposal myself or another attorney right away examination but not psychiatric! Dont help yourself, who provide generous compensation for your employer but not the psychiatric as! Advise you with your doctor and what was said may not make into! Seconds and agree with the IME doctor to have a friend or relative, not your.... Happens if the IME so, IME doctors they hire medical records and spent only examining! The depression diagnosis advise you with your doctor before they agree with your doctor before agree. Not return to my position without set restrictions contact us today to schedule a and! Not your attorney, paralegal, or to assess case progress party evaluates the condition of IME. Problem when they spend only 5 seconds and agree with your doctor the! You decide to do so, they will frequently require injured workers under surveillance scheduled with doctors perform... Like this, an experienced workers compensation lawyer like Victor Malca can help evaluation and learn how can. Set restrictions doctor before they agree with the nurse after all, you no... I just had tendinitis, and reason for IMEs can be dangerous bought. Exams are scheduled with doctors who will do whatever it takes to save.! The perception of bias, a random selection of IME doctors do always. Before they agree with your work-related injuries IME exams are scheduled with doctors who will help them manage claim...