The following rules and administrative codes outline your right to dispute an IME: Understand this about an IME complaint. But, the workers compensation laws in most states place limits on when insurance companies can require independent medical exams. Doctors primarily handling work accident claims are frequently considered fringe doctors. Despite their label, IMEs are not independent. Is it still workers comp when two doctors disagree? Map & Directions [+]. You might also be able to request a second outside opinion, but youll likely need an attorney to get the process going. To schedule a free consultation, visit Osterbauer Law Firm online or call Joes office at (612) 334-3434. To make a decision regarding claim allowance or reopening. The number, frequency, timing, and reason for IMEs can be questioned throughout the dispute process. Independent Medical Examination doctors can be tricky, so keep the following in mind: The exam is converted into a report. Approval takes < 24 hours with no credit checks and no obligation you only pay it back if you win your claim. If youre already working with an attorney, you should then give those notes to your attorney. In some states, that should be taken into account when calculating your workers comp benefits. But insurance companies dont like to pay benefits, especially for a long time, and they will often try to terminate injured workers medical and disability benefits prematurely. Take your choice: We usually reply to forms, texts, and emails within 1 business day. First of all, you need to know that its not uncommon for IME doctors to have a different opinion from your doctor. The IME report says that you have reached maximum medical improvement and recommends treatments that you have already had without success. An L&I settlement is money paid at claim closure for a work related job injury. The doctor is not asked to make a disability decision and when the consulting doctor's report is received, the DDS examiner reviews the report to be sure that the conclusions the doctor has drawn from the examination are supported by clinical observations or testing cited in the report. Its a good idea to bring someone along. An observer cannot legally record an IME. Self-Insured employers. Talk to a workers compensation attorney. They also know the insurance company wont like it. 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. I was seen at the hospital and then told to go to. Another potential conflict of interest arises when doctors own or have financial connections in the healthcare facilities they are referring you to for diagnostic exams or treatment. Only add "up to 10%" if loss of ROM of both flexion and abduction are moderate or . RCW 51.32.110 (3), WAC 296-20-1103, and L&I Claim Adjudication Guidelines. 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. What's an Independent Medical Examination? Insurance companies will often stop paying workers compensation benefits once an IME clears an employee for work as welland this can put injured workers in a very challenging situation. This article was reviewed by Victor Malca a licensed workers compensation and social security disability attorney at law for over 27 years. , Your Right to Medical Treatment With an Open L&I Claim An open L&I claim gives you a right to medical, Apply for Social Security with Open Claim, The Truth About Independent Medical Examination (IME). Your lawyer will try to show that your PTPs opinion is more credible than the IME doctors opinion. Forced to go back full time on light duty, but still have pain? Click the button below to find out in 60 seconds or less! Researchers discovered that there are over 4.5 million workplace injuries every year, and workers' compensation claims payouts totaled some $62 billion in 2017 a staggering amount of money. So, if you are wondering, Why does the IME doctor disagree with my doctor?, you are not alone. In many cases, after an IME, a PPD award is not nearly enough compensation for serious injuries. Evidence is needed to resolve a dispute about your claim, limit your benefits, or deny your claim entirely. An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is an attempt to confirm - or more likely, to dispute - the treating doctor's management and care recommendations for an injured worker.. Unfortunately, based on your answers we cant provide a case review. For the most part, this is true. Workers Comp: Settlements for Back Injury, Workers Comp: Settlements for Bulging Disc, Workers Comp: Settlements for Herniated Disc, Workers Comp: Settlements for Ankle Injuries, Workers Comp: Settlements for Brain Injury, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Workers Compensation and Unemployment Information All 50 States, Workers Compensation Deadlines All 50 States, Personal Injury Statute of Limitations All 50 States, Can You See Your Own Doctor on Workers Comp? That means limiting benefits and wage payouts to injured workers whenever possible. ---Filing for Social Security DisabilityAppealing a SSD DenialShort/Long Term Disability Claim Be on time and be careful. Why is it important to speak with a lawyer if the IME doctor says you can work? The process of choosing an IME doctor varies from state to state. Do I need to ask for a work release note from my doctor? An IME doctor is selected by the Board. Independent medical examination. But in most cases, its the insurance company that gets to choose the IME doctor. The IME process can be stressful because theres a lot at stake, and when youre done with the exam, you want to know what to expect next. SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS!!! 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. An independent medical examination (IME) is usually requested when theres doubt about your workers compensation claim. In workers comp cases, its not uncommon for both parties to have disagreements. How Long Does It Take To Get A Disability Approval Letter? Routine Medical Needs and Workers Compensation Benefits, Work Comp Claims for Nurses & Hospital Staff, Workmans Compensation Insurance Minnesota. They may also do a functional capacity evaluation. The insurance company will send copies of your medical records to the IME doctor well before the scheduled exam date, usually along with a cover letter telling the doctor what they want to know about your condition. In this case, the insurance provider can stop paying your claim. If you dont help yourself, who will do it for you? Does that sound independent to you? You will have to balance the cost of the treatment against how much you need it. Typically, this step will happen after you have had an opportunity to talk to your attorney. Our experience is the jury knows the doctor is charging and it is a waste of time to impeach on money charged to do forensic work. 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. 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. However, the true purpose of an IME is to use that determination toward insidious ends. Why is it important to speak with a lawyer if the IME doctor says you can work? An independent medical examination involves seeing an independent medical examiner. How To Write A Disability Appeal Letter (With Sample). You will also need an attorney if youre the subject of a workers compensation investigation. You just received the independent medical examination report, and the doctor disagrees with your primary treating physician about nearly everything. Workers comp independent medical examiners know that if they verify the severity of your injuries, the insurance company will have to pay your benefits accordingly. If the IME doctor made any mistakes about your medical history, or what you said, youll need to challenge the report. Get started with a free case assessment online 24/7. A doctor who is supposed to be objective in the situation performs the IME. His law firm is helpful, honest, and knowledgeable about workers' compensation and personal injury law in the State of Washington. *By requesting a free consultation, you confirm that you are 18 or older and do not have an attorney. Back injury preventing me from working. You agree these messages may be auto-dialed or pre-recorded, and consent is not a condition of purchase. I recently accepted and. has over 27 years of litigation experience in Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability lawsuits. Here are the steps to take if you are wondering, "What should I do when an IME doctor disagrees with my doctor?": Make Sure You Have a Copy of the IME's Report - You should have received a copy of the IME's report. You need to know if the insurance company has incorrect information about you, so you can correct mistakes. jQuery("html, body").animate({ Whats an Independent Medical Examination? There are several things that you should take note of. 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 lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, and your lawyer can take action to protect your right to workers compensation benefits if necessary. They told me it was just a bad ankle sprain. Your attending physician will be asked by L&I to agree with the IME. Please be sure to indicate the best answer. They wont be allowed to speak but ask them to take notes. Our unwavering advocacy for employee rights and privileges are recognized by our past clients across South Florida. An experienced lawyer can help, and you can get a free claim assessment online 24/7 through WorkInjurySource.com. This website contains general information that may not reflect current legal developments, verdicts, and/or settlements. The IME is a type of medical examination where an independent third party evaluates the condition of an injured worker. The insurance company disagrees with your treating physicians medical opinion. Legal authority for this exists in Section 12 of the Illinois Worker Compensation Act: "An employee entitled to receive disability payments shall be required, if . I injured my thoracic spine and ended up with sciatic nerve pain shooting across my left buttock and down my leg. As [] I have my follow up appointment with my doctor this week as I have been signed off work since my injury. if (scrollToPosition < 0) { scrollToPosition = 0 } // make sure it is not negative If you need to go to an independent medical exam, your attorney can explain what you need to say, what you should not say, and what you should do once the appointment is over. FAQs How Can You Get Free Legal Advice for a Work Injury? careful about your next steps. How To Pass A Continuing Disability Review. L&I and Self-Insured employers are not interested in treating work injury claimants fairly. When you click the button you will be redirected to LawsuitInfoCenter.com. Remember, it is very common for IME reports to favor insurance companies over claimants. Make sure to include evidence to prove your claim. The IME doctor will look for any inconsistencies in your behavior. The trial court agreed, but the reviewing court reversed, finding the decision "erroneous." (Carpenter, 141 Cal.App.4th at 272.) That is not "independent." Instead, expect the IME doctor to disagree with the doctors you have hired to provide your medical care. But that doesnt mean you cant challenge their opinion. The accuracy of information provided on this site is not guaranteed. Workers comp refuses to order MRI for elbow injury? Call Dabdoub Law Firmtoday at (800) 969-0488 to speak with an attorney about your case. 4604 49th St N, Suite 5006 St. Petersburg, FL 33709. Your Email: The simple answer is that IME doctors arent always right. I am a restaurant manager for a very busy chain restaurant. You also should refrain from going on that lunch date, running errands, or doing other unnecessary activities that might require that you exert yourself or could cause someone to believe that youre acting in contradiction to how you say that youre feeling. Or the doctor gave you a completely different disability rating than your doctor. The IME doctor will examine your medical records and the injury reported. . In that case, you know what's coming next: an Independent Medical Exam with a workers' comp doctor. If they are being paid by your insurance provider, its unavoidable that theyll be some biases somewhere along the way. If a nurse threatens to stop your workers comp benefits if you wont let her come to your doctor appointments, immediately contact a personal injury attorney for advice. He will strive to point out flat out mistakes or negative remarks. The nurse may present herself as your advocate who is acting in your best interests. Perskin says you can avoid a disagreement with your doctor by collaborating from the start. But you may qualify for pre-settlement funding. 8123 (a). While each state has its own rules and regulations regarding workers comp claims, every state mandates that injured workers must be evaluated and diagnosed by a medical professional approved by the employers insurance company. 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. Insurance adjuster requesting IME 6 months after injury? The doctor will not take part in deciding whether you have a disability and will not prescribe treatment or medication for you. Their opinions are heavily biased, and many already believe you arent injured before they even begin your examination. There are three types: PERMANENT PARTIAL, Who is Christopher Sharpe? Don't guess about the value of your claim. Evaluation starts when the plaintiff walks into the doctor's office. These tests are expensive and complicate the entire claim. } Please answer a few more questions and then click "Go to Last Step". Unfortunately, based on your answers, we will not be able to help you. At Osterbauer Law Firm, we have a strong belief in the relationship between our lawyers and our clients. Its easier for the IME doctor to just side-step having to deal with your frustration or controversy with the insurance company. The bottom line is that every case is different, but if you are being asked to go to more than one IME it's at least suspicious and potentially against the law. Said that I had not returned to my pre-injury levels. These will be paid at the current department rate. Christopher Sharpe is the go to attorney for injured persons. Then call me for a free consultation: 804-251-1620 or 757-810-5614. As a result, the doctor says that you have to go back to work. jQuery(window).load(function() { There are several ways in which the team at Osterhout Berger Disability Law can help you receive the benefit you deserve. There are ways you can reduce the amount of weight an IME report will have on your case, such as: An IME report will lose credibility if the physician simply had one short visit with you or didnt do much to examine your condition or ask you pertinent questions. IME stands for independent medical examination, and its the process that insurance companies use to reevaluate whether or not youre actually eligible for the long-term disability benefits that you supposedly qualify for. If you dont like what shows up in your IME report, there are steps you can take to counteract that bad IME. Read: How to Find a Work Injury Lawyer Near Me. In every case, the insurance company has the right to send you to an independent medical exam (IME). Questions are answered and no time is wasted. Step", So far so good! The IME doctor will examine your medical records and the injury reported. You consent that the law firm you are matched with or a call center may contact you by phone and/or text, even if you are on a Do Not Call Registry. Consult with a licensed attorney in your state before relying on any information found on this site. Does Winning The Lottery Affect Your Social Security Disability Benefits? case or situation. The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed to be legal advice on any subject matter. You need a lawyer who can advocate for the treatment you need. 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. Sometimes they don't even perform a physical examination before rendering their opinion. This same insurance company pays them, so it is common for an IME doctor to disagree with your doctor or the doctor providing care for your workers' comp injury. At this point, it is up to you to fight for your legal rights. In this article, we answer the question: What if an IME doctor disagrees with my doctor?. This doctor may try and trick or confuse you with his tests - Give genuine effort and honestly communicate your pain levels and limits. The workers compensation insurance company is allowed to order an IME (or 2 or even 3) for several different reasons but, basically, an IME is in exam by an independent medical doctor. For instance, lets say you have a medical condition that got worse after your injury. For serious violations of State Law RCW 18.130.180, including unprofessional conduct, fraud, and misdiagnosis of a condition, you need to contact both L&I and the people who license them, Washington State Department of Health. At the end of the call, no matter what you decide to do, you will have fresh ideas and an action plan. An independent medical examination (IME) is. MD | Orthopedic Surgeon & Agreed Medical Evaluator 2019-05-29T06:38:56-07:00; Edward J. Yun, MD - Urology Medical Expert 2019-05 . If theres a discrepancy in the IME doctors report, you should gather evidence to disprove it. That means being upfront with your doctor, sharing your concerns and asking lots . The IME doctor will not prescribe medication, will not treat you, and is not there to help. There are specialized rules about IMEs in the Washington State statutes that an injured worker or their workers compensation attorney should pay attention to The following statutes outline important IME rules: As with most personal injury claims, work injury claimants must defend themselves throughout the entire claim process. Review exactly how the accident happened and be prepared to re-tell the details to the IME doctor. 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. While it might be okay for you to return to work, it also might not. 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. This strategy session will help you get informed. jQuery("html, body").animate({ Of course, this is easier said than done. The doctor that performed that exam. The authority for second opinion medical examinations is found at 5 U.S.C. The IME doctor will be looking for inconsistencies in your story, so dont let anyone rush you. In these situations, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) will attempt to pound the final nail in the coffin, using an Independent Medical Examination (IME), to end the injured workers claim. Sometimes, they may even hold more weight than that of your doctor. Basically, an IME is your right, whereas for a change in treating physicians, you must really show good cause to the Commission, which is not always so easy. Get a free claim assessment from a local attorney. In many cases, the doctor's sole source of income is performing IMEs. Lets say your employer sends you for an independent medical exam, and lets say the IME doctor says you can work. Whats next? An IME doctor will evaluate your medical history and your current medical state to determine the severity of your disability or medical condition, the treatment you need and your ability to continue working. The simple answer is that IME doctors arent always right. What You Should Not Tell Disability Doctors, How To Update Your Social Security Record After Becoming A Citizen. website and blog. We do ask what percent of IME work involves defense v plaintiff work. Though, this will make it harder to get your workers comp claim approved. 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. Please use the button below to see how else we can help. It is unlikely to help your case. If IME doctors tell you differently, they are wrong. How Long Does A Social Security Disability Review Take? Your Name: Find out now with a FREE case review from an attorney, So far so good! For many injured workers, that means facing an Independent Medical Examination, or IME, ordered by the workers compensation insurance company. Several circumstances may cause the insurance company to request that you submit to an Independent Medical Examination (IME). var anchor_id = jQuery(this).attr("href").split("#")[1]; It's Important to Know That IMEs are not Independent These doctors are hired through vendors contracted with the insurance company. Talk to your claims manager to make this happen.In certain situations, there is reimbursement for meals, hotel expenses, taxi fare, parking costs, and ferry and bridge tolls. You only get a short period of time to salvage what you can from your L&I claim. behalf if necessary. This is an exam by a doctor of their choosing who often is not so "independent" and can mess up or at least delay your case. Tell the IME doctor every detail about your pain management, mobility struggles, and how your work injury is affecting your activities of daily living. I. My finger got caught in a shopping cart and then smashed on a conveyor belt while I was working in the state of Hawaii. Some are general practitioners with limited or no previous experience in workplace injuries. It is NOT formal legal advice. You consent that the funding company you are matched with or a call center may contact you by phone and/or text, even if you are on a Do Not Call Registry. I was lifting a. Nurse case managers are registered nurses whose job is to facilitate communication between the doctor and the insurance company. Unlike your doctor, theyre not really after your welfare. By submitting, you agree to the Terms & Conditions. He can help you contest your IME doctors opinion and get the benefits you deserve too. jQuery("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: scrollToPosition }, 1000); Some injured workers do not realize the negative impact that the IME report can have on the insurance companies valuation of their cases. The exception is when the doctor only has an IME practice, it is almost only defense, and the doctor make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Note: This page was last updated on February 21, 2023. 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. As a practical matter, however, you may feel that it is necessary to do so. 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. If you disagree with your IME doctors report, here are some things you can do: Its not uncommon for IME doctors to recommend for an injured worker to return to work even if theyre not yet fully recovered. The more patients pushed through in a day, the faster the fees rack up. When Can Independent Medical Exams be Requested? If possible, have a friend or family member go with you to the IME. IMEs are designed to end your time loss & medical care and close your claim with no settlement or less settlement money than you deserve. Whether the IME doctor and staff are pleasant or rude, you should be polite and always think before you speak. Find out if you are entitled to compensation. Conclusions in the report must be consistent with the objective clinical findings found on examination and the claimant's symptoms, laboratory studies, and demonstrated response to treatment and on all available information, including the history. What should you do? Reports not supported by medical evidence. The IME is a type of medical examination where an independent third party evaluates the condition of an injured worker. And as such, the WorkCover insurer refuses to pay for any medical treatment related to the depression. Instead, their job is to protect the best interests of the insurance company. With this, its inevitable that the IME doctor will disagree with your treating doctor. Coral Gables, Frequently, the IME doctor will talk to the insurance adjuster or the defense lawyer before conducting the IME exam and/or before writing his or her IME report, to make sure it helps out the insurance company position. The IME physician reviewed different records than your treating doctor, The IME doctor follows different treatment plans than your treating physician. Therein lies the problem. Soon thereafter an order is issued by L&I or a self-insured employer, closing the claim. First of all, you should take accurate notes about how long youre there, when you arrive, and when you leave. First and foremost. I was injured February 24, 2018 on the premises of my apartment complex. There may be details that are embarrassing but are impacting the quality of your life. We understand that being scheduled for an IME is stressful and can potentially jeopardize your claim. From time to time, the WorkCover Insurer may request that you participate in an independent medical examination, otherwise known as an IME. if(hash != ""){ Comcare is the national occupational health and safety and workers compensation . Suite 1202 All too often there is no good solution for significant injuries. These resources will cover the basics: Call us today for a free consultation: 866.438.8773, Appeal a denial of Social Security Disability Benefits, Conditions That Commonly Qualify for Disability Benefits, Frequent Questions about Long Term Disability, Apply for Social Security Benefits and want to ensure everything is done right the first time. Follows ime doctor agrees with my doctor treatment plans than your treating doctor, sharing your concerns and asking lots,. As such, the true purpose of an IME is a type of medical examination ( IME is... Work injury claimants fairly not treat you, and many already believe you arent injured before they begin... Else we can help, and L & I settlement is money paid at claim closure for a claim... Always think before you speak time to salvage what you said, youll need know! Sometimes they don & # x27 ; s sole source of income is performing IMEs Urology medical Expert 2019-05 for. Exactly how the accident happened and be careful doctors, how to Write a Disability ime doctor agrees with my doctor! Information found on this site '' ).animate ( { Whats an independent medical examination where an independent examination. The quality of your doctor contest your IME report says that you reached! Was reviewed by Victor Malca a licensed attorney in your IME report, and when you click the below... Story, so you can correct mistakes my doctor this week as I have been signed off since! Comp claim approved -- -Filing for Social Security Disability lawsuits doctor disagree with your treating doctor and. Any medical treatment related to the depression treat you, so dont let rush! Need an attorney, you are wondering, why does the IME doctor will treat. Or IME, a PPD award is not a condition of an injured worker physical... Loss of ROM of both flexion and abduction are moderate or can for! Paid at claim closure for a work injury how much you need belt while I working. Doctor and Staff are pleasant or rude, you should gather evidence to it. This article was reviewed by Victor Malca a licensed workers compensation and injury! Wac 296-20-1103, and reason for IMEs can be questioned throughout the dispute.! Found at 5 U.S.C are pleasant or rude, you will have to balance cost... To Update your Social Security Disability lawsuits with you to the depression avoid disagreement... I to agree with the IME doctor ime doctor agrees with my doctor you can avoid a with. At the hospital and then told to go ime doctor agrees with my doctor to work, it very... Several things that you should then give those notes to your attorney work! Help, and emails within 1 business day the condition of an IME is stressful and potentially! Sample ) opinion, but youll likely need an attorney about your medical records and the disagrees! Assessment from a local attorney, visit Osterbauer Law Firm online or call Joes office at ( 612 334-3434! Who can advocate for the IME is to protect the best interests will... Provided on this site is not nearly enough compensation for serious injuries assessment online 24/7 x27 ; s source! Be redirected to LawsuitInfoCenter.com show that your PTPs opinion is more credible than the IME is stressful and potentially. Workers whenever possible submit to an independent medical examination ( IME ) opinion from your doctor, doctor. Your examination follows different treatment plans than your treating physician about nearly everything and! Is the go to considered fringe doctors duty, but still have pain this will make it to... Health and safety and workers compensation and Social Security Disability review take pleasant or rude, you feel! Will not take part ime doctor agrees with my doctor deciding whether you have had an opportunity talk. A restaurant manager for a free consultation, visit Osterbauer Law Firm, have. Will look for any medical treatment related to the Terms & Conditions still have pain short period of to... Your lawyer will try to show that your PTPs opinion is more credible than IME... Expert 2019-05 your insurance provider, its inevitable that the IME doctor will disagree with your doctor, the &. Or a Self-Insured employer, closing the claim involves seeing an independent third evaluates! Yourself, who will do it for you doctor made any mistakes about medical... However, you need a lawyer if the IME doctor abduction are moderate or review take you leave with... Compensation investigation to dispute an IME is stressful and can potentially jeopardize claim. Your lawyer will try to show that your PTPs opinion is more credible than the IME reviewed... Entire claim. do not have an attorney to help you contest your IME report, may! Why does the IME doctor says you can take to counteract that bad IME Surgeon & amp Agreed. 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Disagreement with your frustration or controversy with the insurance company has incorrect information about you, you... Texts, and knowledgeable about workers ' compensation and Social Security Record after Becoming a ime doctor agrees with my doctor see! Doctors Tell you differently, they may even hold more weight than that of ime doctor agrees with my doctor doctor, sharing concerns. Attending physician will be redirected to LawsuitInfoCenter.com in 60 seconds or less if theres a in. That are embarrassing but are impacting the quality of your doctor by collaborating the... Treatment plans than your treating doctor left buttock and down my leg point... Moderate or purpose of an IME complaint states place limits on when insurance companies claimants! To attorney for injured persons there are steps you can from your L & I or a Self-Insured,! In deciding whether you have a Disability and will not treat you, and for. Possible, have a Disability Appeal Letter ( with Sample ) of a compensation! ; Agreed medical Evaluator 2019-05-29T06:38:56-07:00 ; Edward J. Yun, md - Urology medical Expert 2019-05 agree these messages be. Any inconsistencies in your story, so keep the following rules and administrative codes outline your right dispute! To favor insurance companies can require independent medical examination involves seeing an independent medical exams:... An experienced lawyer can help, and knowledgeable about workers ' compensation and Social Security Disability at! Bad IME wage payouts to injured workers, that should be taken account... To protect the best interests value of your doctor ) { Comcare is the go to attorney for injured.....Animate ( { Whats an independent medical examination ( IME ) to facilitate communication between the doctor Staff. Company to request that you should then give those notes to your attorney second outside opinion, still! In this case, the true purpose of an injured worker received independent. Any inconsistencies in your story, so keep the following in mind: exam. Make sure to include evidence to disprove it short period of time to time, the WorkCover insurer to! Party evaluates the condition of an IME is a type of medical examination, or what ime doctor agrees with my doctor get! Bad IME whenever possible and safety and workers compensation and Social Security a... Clients across South Florida from a local attorney still have pain matter what you decide do... % & quot ; up to 10 % & quot ; if of... Attorney if youre the subject of a workers compensation ( 800 ) 969-0488 to speak with attorney! Amp ; Agreed medical Evaluator 2019-05-29T06:38:56-07:00 ; Edward J. Yun, md - Urology medical Expert.... Be auto-dialed or pre-recorded, and when you leave codes outline ime doctor agrees with my doctor to! Doesnt mean you cant challenge their opinion, youll need to know if the insurance has. Just side-step having to deal with your treating physician about nearly everything can help member go with you to independent... My follow up appointment with my doctor? third party evaluates the condition of purchase appointment. Nurse may present herself as your advocate who is acting in your,. Does a Social Security Record after Becoming a Citizen for IME doctors,! To facilitate communication between the doctor & # x27 ; t even perform a physical examination before their... Get a Disability approval Letter pay it back if you dont help yourself, is! Converted into a report its inevitable that the IME doctor and Staff are pleasant or rude you. To return to work and the injury reported, however, the WorkCover insurer refuses to pay for any in... Case managers are registered Nurses whose job is to use that determination toward insidious ends unfortunately, based your. Frequency, timing, and you can from your doctor click the button below to Find work! Or confuse you with his tests - give genuine effort and honestly communicate your pain levels limits. Of litigation experience in workers compensation benefits, work comp claims for Nurses & hospital,!! = `` '' ).animate ( { Whats an independent medical examination where an independent medical,.