FWD:Preparing for an Independent Medical Exam(IME)

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From: byrd45 (Original Message) Sent: 7/15/2005 9:33 AM
Preparing for an Independent Medical Exam (IME)


Some of the information about workers compensation may not be the same in your state so please contact your attorney or state Worker's Compensation Board to check.
The Independent Medical Exam (IME) can be one of the most harrowing part of dealing with an injury. Whether it is the auto insurance company, the workers compensation carrier, a personal injury litigation or a exam for the Social Security Administration, the person being examined knows that this one exam could change the outcome of their care or legal case. Because of how important these exams are, it is imperative that the person being examined prepare for the exam.

One of the most important things to remember is that this doctor is being hired by the other side, the side that wants to prove that you are not disabled or that any disability that you have didn't come from the incident that you claim it came from. Don't expect this doctor to give you any treatment options or even discuss the case with you.

Make sure that you are dressed in appropriate clothing, clean and well kempt. Remember that you will may be observed from the time that you arrive at the office until the time that your car pull out of the parking lot. This is important because often the report will state how you sat in the chair, how you got in or out of the car, how you interacted with the staff and/or people in the waiting room.

The following letter was written by Sue Hickerson of the Tri- City Support Group in Michigan

"The Independent Medical Examiner (IME) is the doctor that your Worker's Compensation Insurance (carrier) or Employer has chosen. The IME doctor is paid for by the carrier or Employer. The injured employee must go to the IME exam or may have to forfeit their compensation. The carrier must pay the injured employee, in advance of the exam, for traveling expenses.

"You or your attorney can receive a copy of the IME's report by sending a request for the report, certified to your compensation claims person. The carrier has 15 days from the date on the return receipt, to furnish the IME report. If the carrier fails to provide the IME report within 15 days, the carrier cannot use the medical testimony of that doctor.

"You have the right to have a doctor or other person present during the IME examination, at your expense!

"An IME is very SERIOUS! What this person writes about you overrides ALL your doctor. You can have 5 doctors tell the comp insurance that your injury need immediate surgery and the IME doctor can say, I don't see any injury, no need for surgery, return to work with or without restrictions.

"You MUST take a witness with you to the exam. Some attorneys say that your spouse or attorney can go into the exam room with you. If the IME doctor objects, than the IME doctor can say that you were obstructing the examination and your compensation may be suspended. NO agent of your comp Insurance or Employer, this includes REHAB NURSES, has the right to go into your IME examination! Your and your witness should note the time you arrive, the time you go into the exam room, the time the IME doctor arrived, the time he left, and the time you left. Some IME exams last all of 10 minutes.

"Bring all of your X-rays, and other test results with you the day of the exam. Some attorneys say you can object to any invasive procedures, that includes X rays. You should have your attorney help you make the decision on whether you will object to new tests or X-rays before your exam day. This is an important decision to make because the IME can portray you as not cooperating. "Arrive on time and dress neatly. You want to make a favorable impression. Be courteous to the IM doctor and his staff. They may already have an attitude, so don't antagonize, cooperate with them.

"Make sure that the IME doctor who examines you is the same doctor you were to see. Contact your attorney if there is a problem with this. "Be truthful and brief, you want to give a general history of what happened to you and a rundown on your history of what happened to you and a run-down on the treatment you have had, It is very important for the IME to understand and make sure the IME knows what you current problems are.

"Don't exaggerate or fake any injuries or any part of the examination. The IME doctor will be able to detect this, parts of the exam are designed to detect faking. Also don't hold back, be honest, forthright, and explain your injury as well as possible.

"After the examination is over, make some general notes. If you have an attorney, Call him and let him know what happened while it is fresh in your memory.

"You should see your own doctor the same day you saw the IME doctor. Make sure you have an appointment some time after the IME's. Your doctor will be able to say what He found on the same day you saw the IME doctor. Sometimes the IME's examination will hurt you and your doctor should be able to document this, such as swelling.

" GOOD LUCK ON THE IME EXAM! "

A few extra thoughts that may help:
Make sure you tell how you got injured in the same way every time. Also report your history treatments the same way. Some attorneys might use inconsistencies against you. If you could write it down and take it with you to the IME. so you can offer it to the doctor.

Bring a camera. If your limb looks swollen, discolored, shiny or anything else that will show, take a picture that will show that you were at the IME's office( hold you hand next to his certificate on the wall, foot neck to a name plate from his desk etc.

Even though your Worker's Compensation Carrier paid for the exam, federal law states that you are entitled to all of your medical records. You just state what reports you want released to you in writing. If there is any sensitive information about a psychiatric or drug problem, you must state in your letter that this information can be released. Send this request by certified letter and the reports must be released to you within 15 days.