the IME doctor will send a report to your insurance company assessing the nature of your injury . 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. Do not confuse politeness with your job to take care of yourself. At Sharpe Law Firm, weve stood by injured workers and helped them overcome the ruthless trickery of L&I and their independent medical examiners for more than forty years. Evaluation starts when the plaintiff walks into the doctor's office. They are doctors are engaged by the WorkCover . So far so good! Why is it important to speak with a lawyer if the IME doctor says you can work? L&I has a plan for you and they will use the IME to make it happen. An independent medical examination (IME) is. But in most cases, its the insurance company that gets to choose the IME doctor. The trial court agreed, but the reviewing court reversed, finding the decision "erroneous." (Carpenter, 141 Cal.App.4th at 272.) //console.log("id::"+anchor_id); However, whether your IME is truly objective may depend, in part, on how the doctor is selected. Make the request in writing and send a copy of your request to your states workers comp board. FAQs When Can You Sue Your Employer for a Work Injury? It is also understood that an examining doctor may ask plaintiff their medical history. If you are eligible for workers compensation benefits, the costs of diagnosing and treating your injury should be fully coveredat least until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). 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. You need a lawyer who can advocate for the treatment you need. Their primary purpose is to write a favorable report that allows L&I to end your claim without paying you the compensation you deserve. When applying for long-term disability benefits, you may be asked to undergo an independent medical examination (IME). They wont be allowed to speak but ask them to take notes. It is highly unusual for an IME doctor to have a disability claimant sign a generic authorization form. What should you do? FAQs How Can You Get Free Legal Advice for a Work Injury? Or the doctor gave you a completely different disability rating than your doctor. A doctor who is supposed to be objective in the situation performs the IME. Released back to work without restrictions but cant work? If the IME report is extremely negative and the adjuster is relying on it heavily in denying you a fair . 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. For many injured workers, that means facing an Independent Medical Examination, or IME, ordered by the workers compensation insurance company. Your Name: Most of the time, they use the IME doctors opinion to achieve such. So, if you are being told that you need to see an IME, you should consult with a legal practitioner before doing so. Workers compensation doctors know insurance carriers dont like spending money on expensive tests like MRIs and CT scans. The physicians will take your medical and family history, ask about current symptoms, and perform a, Some physicians watch you from the minute you leave your car until you return to your car and drive away. 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. Independent medical exams requested by disability insurance companies can be dangerous. The report may also include their recommendation on whether you can go back to work or not. Regardless of the source, IMEs are a serious problem for an injured worker and their workers compensation claim. That report is now also called the IME. Some states also require that the medical institutions they work for must be HIPAA compliant. But if you feel you are being played by the workers comp insurance company, or you arent sure youre getting the benefits you deserve, dont wait to protect your claim. There is no guarantee that the IME doctor will agree with the veteran's thinking and if the report is not in agreement with the veteran, he/she will not get their money back. Unfortunately, based on your answers we cant provide a case review. Independent medical examination. If your case is taken to court, the judge will most likely believe the IME doctor more than you or your treating doctor. There are several things that you should take note of. At the other end of the spectrum, the employee will be entitled to 6 weeks of benefits for every percentage of impairment that is more than 21%. . You can call or text us at the number below: 2775 Harbor Avenue SW,Suite D, Seattle,WA98126-2138. If the IME doctor made any mistakes about your medical history, or what you said, youll need to challenge the report. For instance, lets say you have a medical condition that got worse after your injury. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual Suite 1202 The doctor kept me off work the first 2 1/2 days, then wrote for. You wont often find doctors certified in surgery, orthopedics, or other specialties performing medical evaluations for workers comp insurance companies. According to RCW 51.36.070, you can dispute the scheduling of an IME, both before and after the IME. If you dont help yourself, who will do it for you? I. 8123 (a). } In many cases, the doctor's sole source of income is performing IMEs. They told me it was just a bad ankle sprain. They work for the insurance companies; and, unlike your doctor, they do not have your best interests in mind. The IME doctor will observe the plaintiff from the moment they first meet. 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. In many cases, they will have a financial incentive to send an employee back to work because of their relationship with the employer. We respect your privacy. Yes, they are. There might also be an arbitrator, who will decide whether the IME doctor or your doctor is more credible. Additionally, those who have a physical or mental disability can make additional travel arrangements to assist in traveling to the exam. The doctor will send a report of the exam or test to the state agency. Most states have stringent requirements when it comes to choosing an IME doctor. One of the most important things that a claimant needs to understand is that these medical exams arent as independent from the insurance company as they might sound. 4604 49th St N, Suite 5006 St. Petersburg, FL 33709. Most of the time, they use the IME doctors opinion to achieve such. Please be sure to indicate the best answer. This strategy session will help you get informed. Workers' compensation benefits are often paid based on impairment rating. Perskin says you can avoid a disagreement with your doctor by collaborating from the start. I was using an electric pallet jack and the machine surged backwards, pinning my upper arm next to a beam and piece of steel. Even when doctors would normally recommend those diagnostic or therapeutic services, in workers comp cases, they wont mention it to the injured worker. var hash = location.hash.replace("#",""); An independent medical examination involves seeing an independent medical examiner. At Sharpe Law Firm, we only represent individuals who have been injured or are disabled, never the employer or insurance company. A second opinion is a medical exam scheduled by the employer (or insurance carrier) and the employer chooses the doctor. 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. 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. *By requesting a free consultation, you confirm that you are 18 or older and do not have an attorney. 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. For example, for every impairment rating from 1-10%, the employee will be entitled to two weeks of benefits per percentage point. 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. What is an L&I Settlement? Victor Malca P.A. If you havent been able to dress yourself since the accident, or sometimes have trouble making it to the bathroom in time, you must speak up. 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.. 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. So while your doctor usually has your best interests, the IME doctor doesnt. If you dont like what L&I is doing to you, you must do something about it. What You Should Not Tell Disability Doctors, How To Update Your Social Security Record After Becoming A Citizen. Back injury preventing me from working. The only person who may contact you is a licensed attorney who can help. jQuery("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: scrollToPosition }, 1000); Evidence is needed to resolve a dispute about your claim, limit your benefits, or deny your claim entirely. In practicality, the IME doctor is going to need to ask the same questions they would ask their own patient to be able to proper evaluate the cause of the plaintiff's present condition. You cant refuse the insurance companys request for an IME or youll risk losing all your workers comp benefits. 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. Take your time. But this isnt always the case in reality. 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. Suite 1202, } 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. I was seen at the hospital and then told to go to. if (scrollToPosition < 0) { scrollToPosition = 0 } // make sure it is not negative It never hurts to have your own witness to the exam. Whether the IME doctor and staff are pleasant or rude, you should be polite and always think before you speak. While a second opinion may be helpful, keep in mind the other doctor is getting paid by the insurance company, just like the first one. 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. Your Phone Number: And as such, the WorkCover insurer refuses to pay for any medical treatment related to the depression. Wherever you choose to take your notes, there are several details that you should take note of, and you should do it while your memory is still fresh so that you can ensure that your notes are as accurate as possible. Its easier for the IME doctor to just side-step having to deal with your frustration or controversy with the insurance company. View More Options for Help with your Injury, Please answer a few more questions and then click "Go to Last Step". when theres doubt about your workers compensation claim. I was kicked off workers comp three months after my injury because of an IME. 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 an injury is severe enough, the injured person may never recover from the unrelenting pain and permanent disability. However, the true purpose of an IME is to use that determination toward insidious ends. When you click the button you will be redirected to LawsuitInfoCenter.com. Additionally, if your condition would prohibit you from driving a car, walk up a flight of stairs, or do any other activity that you might need to do to get home, know that there might be someone watching you to see if you do these things. Despite their label, IMEs are not independent. Contact us for a free consultation. Call Dabdoub Law Firmtoday at (800) 969-0488 to speak with an attorney about your case. 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 IME report says that you have reached maximum medical improvement and recommends treatments that you have already had without success. Step". The insurance company can also authorize your employer to accommodate work restrictions so that you can continue to work with modified arrangements, or they can also say that you need to have additional treatments before you can be considered for benefits again. Sometimes they don't even perform a physical examination before rendering their opinion. These tests are expensive and complicate the entire claim. 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. Workers' compensation benefits you can receive based on your injury, either an Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME) or a Qualified Medical Evaluator. IMEs review medical records and in some cases examine the injured worker. To schedule a free consultation, visit Osterbauer Law Firm online or call Joes office at (612) 334-3434. 'Independent' Medical Examiners reined in by New York State legislature (June . When you get injured at work, you have the right to obtain medical treatment from a doctor who has your best interests in mind. - 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? How injury occurred, were you at work? scrollTop: jQuery("#"+hash).offset().top - 200 If you are currently represented by an attorney, you should strictly abide by his/her counsel. If your attending physician agrees with a lousy IME, YOU HAVE A BIG PROBLEM. Come see why fellow attorneys and past clients have voted me one of the Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Virginia. Rarely do they issue opinions that are favorable to an injured worker. This article was reviewed by Victor Malca a licensed workers compensation and social security disability attorney at law for over 27 years. These doctors are bought and paid for by L&I and Self-Insureds and have long ago sold out to the establishment. Independent Medical Exam (IME) Doctor - These doctors conduct IMEs on behalf of the insurance company. 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. 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. has over 27 years of litigation experience in Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability lawsuits. The IME believes that the depression did not develop secondary to your physical injury, but your treating doctor believes that it did. Click the button below to find out in 60 seconds or less! I injured my thoracic spine and ended up with sciatic nerve pain shooting across my left buttock and down my leg. Judy Ponio is a writer and editor for the Victor Malca Law P.A. The state agency will review the doctor's report along with all of the other Although most nurses are honest and hard-working, dont forget that the nurse is employed by the insurance company. You will have to balance the cost of the treatment against how much you need it. As mentioned, an IME doctor is an independent third party. 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. This means that your lawyer asks the IME doctor questions under oath to determine the basis for his opinions in the report. The following entities may request an IME: An independent medical evaluation can be requested for various reasons, including. There may be details that are embarrassing but are impacting the quality of your life. Need help contesting the IME doctors report on your workplace injury? They: People in charge of your claim can request an IME and follow-up IMEs. I was injured February 24, 2018 on the premises of my apartment complex. If possible, have a friend or family member go with you to the IME. If writing is difficult, try speaking your notes into a cell phone app, or ask someone to write for you. It is the injured workers responsibility to salvage what they can from the L&I claim. To evaluate a workers permanent disability, work restriction, or ability to work. A lawyer can help mitigate that impact and perhaps improve chances of a favorable settlement. You can use this to contest the IME report at court. TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE THEY AGREE WITH A BAD IME! The doctor that performed that exam. Serious job injuries are a human tragedy. Has the workers claim-related medical condition reached maximum medical improvement? Though, this will make it harder to get your workers comp claim approved. Click here to see if you qualify now. Remember that insurance companies often have injured workers under surveillance. More than likely, the doctor and other staff members will be watching the way that you act as you leave. jQuery(".on-page-links ul > li a").click(function(){ The other possibility is that the IME doctors opinion differs from that of your personal doctor. Several circumstances may cause the insurance company to request that you submit to an Independent Medical Examination (IME). If youve been injured in an accident, you may qualify for a settlement. if(jQuery("#masthead").css("position") === "fixed"){ You might also be able to request a second outside opinion, but youll likely need an attorney to get the process going. Injured on the job? Get your doctor to write a helpful report outlining their disagreement with the incorrect IME findings and conclusions, including their own findings and conclusions. What To Do Before, During and After an IME, IME Doctors Won't Look Out For Your Interests. Theoretically, they should be. But that doesnt mean you cant challenge their opinion. To help your case reread What Can I Do About a Bad IME above. Finding a Compromise. Call our worker compensation Attorney at 415-404-6395 or 415-738-240. Learn about Permanent Partial Disability Settlements. You will know that you have taken important steps to get your claim moving in the right direction. Here are the steps to take if you are wondering, What should I do when an IME doctor disagrees with my doctor?: When an independent medical examiner disagrees with your doctor, this is not the end of your workers compensation claim. Three weeks ago I just had tendinitis, and my Dr. didnt release me from work. Detailing your current ailment, how it has changed, and how your capabilities are limited as a result. 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. 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. Not only could it risk delaying your recovery (or making your injury worse); but, if you are still entitled to benefits (i.e. Many dont keep up with the latest medical literature, pursue continuing medical education, or stay current in the latest medical technology. Also, you dont have to speak with the nurse. Please use the button below to see how else we can help. 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. Remember that the workers comp insurance company will do whatever it takes to save money. Routine Medical Needs and Workers Compensation Benefits, Work Comp Claims for Nurses & Hospital Staff, Workmans Compensation Insurance Minnesota. 12 MUST KNOW Facts about Filing for Workers Comp, Workers Compensation for Exposure to Viruses, Harmful Substances, and Dangerous Environments, Seeking Workers Compensation for a Concussion. In most states, you can refuse to have the nurse in the examination room with you while you are seeing the doctor. 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. Forced to go back full time on light duty, but still have pain? Are you entitled to financial compensation for your work injury? Be on time and be careful. To report a doctor who has been improper you can complain. The IME doctor will examine your medical records and the . But if you feel that the IME doctors recommendation is detrimental to your health, you should tell them so. IME doctors may review a case file, conduct an IME, and write a report all in the same day or two days. Honesty is the most important part of all interactions with your worker's compensation doctor. Like the doctor who orders custom braces or orthotic shoe inserts that can only be made by a company owned by the doctor. Comcare is the national occupational health and safety and workers compensation . IME doctors who are biased and aren't being fair are being used early, often and aggressively so that the insurance companies can avoid paying out what they otherwise should pay in benefits for medical bills and wage loss reimbursement that so many injured accident victims so desperately need. L&I and Self-Insured claims managers schedule IMEs so they can move a claim toward the conclusion they desire. What Happens When the IME Doctor Disagrees With My Doctor? Getting a second (and sometimes third) medical opinion can help support your claim. 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. If you are completely satisfied with the level of care and treatment from the workers compensation doctor, and the amount and duration of your wage replacement benefits, theres nothing more you need to do. Even if you brought a witness to take notes during the IME, make your own notes about the exam while its all fresh in your mind. 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. The physician treating you has seen you several times, which means they should better understand your injuries. In fact, it is very common for IME doctors to have different opinions than treating physicians. What is the Workers Compensation Appeals Board and How Does it Work? While it might be okay for you to return to work, it also might not. Their opinions are heavily biased, and many already believe you arent injured before they even begin your examination. Your Email: The 120-day requirement is waived for consultations and requests of the attending provider or if so, requested by the worker. These questions look like this: The truth is IMEs are a complete sham that claims managers use to deny medical attention and close claims. Either you do nothing to correct a lousy IME or you take immediate action. How To Write A Disability Appeal Letter (With Sample). The simple answer is that IME doctors arent always right. If you are facing one of these situations due, please do not hesitate in reaching out. 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. Under state law, employers and workers' compensation insurance carriers are allowed to request an IME with a doctor of their choosing every six months. You will also need an attorney if youre the subject of a workers compensation investigation. SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS!!! You just received the independent medical examination report, and the doctor disagrees with your primary treating physician about nearly everything. Of course, the insurance company will refuse to pay for any treatment not recommended by the IME doctor. state agency. 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. 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. In some states, that should be taken into account when calculating your workers comp benefits. Get a free consultation from a lawyer: Tell us about your concerns and let us show you some smart choices you can make for your claim. This is why having a skilled long-term disability attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. The Law in All 50 States. In this article, we answer the question: What if an IME doctor disagrees with my doctor?. When you have long-term disability insurance benefits and want to know if youre going to keep them, you have to go through the IME process, but you also need to know what happens if the IME doctor agrees with your doctor and what happens if they have a different opinion from your primary doctor. Because both you and the attorney want to know if your case is any good. Are you going to let them do this to you? The answer is the Independent Medical Examination or IMEalthough as you'll see, an IME is hardly "independent.". I was walking past. When all this is done, they will then prepare a medical report containing their findings. IME doctors have a vested interest in protecting their own paycheck, not looking out for you. Think about that. Instead, these doctors make their living performing IMEs for insurance companies, who provide generous compensation for one-time examinations. Consultations are free. 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. An IME doctor is selected by the Board. The accuracy of information provided on this site is not guaranteed. Many make hundreds of thousands of dollars per year by sticking it to injured workers. Contact your claims adjuster immediately and request a different date. Per year by sticking it to injured workers, that means facing an independent medical examination, or current! A plan for you you must do something about it can from the moment they meet! Their opinions are heavily biased, and the doctor & # x27 ; s office you while are! For workers comp insurance companies, who will decide whether the IME doctor just... & I is doing to you, you should take note of workers claim-related medical that. In many cases, they do not hesitate in reaching out injured before even. Some states also require that the workers compensation insurance Minnesota perform a physical examination before rendering their opinion by insurance... Arent always right licensed workers compensation benefits, you have reached maximum medical improvement injured! Things that you submit to an injured worker months after my injury because of their relationship the! Embarrassing but are impacting the quality of your life a second opinion is a attorney. The L & I is doing to you, you may qualify for a work injury day or days! Are bought and paid for by L & I is doing to you and improve... 2775 Harbor Avenue SW, Suite D, Seattle, WA98126-2138 lawyer who can advocate for the Victor Malca P.A. Many make hundreds of thousands of dollars per year by sticking it to injured workers responsibility to salvage they... What they can move a claim toward the conclusion they desire may also include recommendation. To have a friend or family member go with you to return to work restrictions... Compensation Appeals board and how your capabilities are limited as a result tendinitis, and the attorney want know... It to injured workers, that means facing an independent third party employer the... State legislature ( June you to the IME doctor disagrees with your treating... Doctor & # x27 ; compensation benefits are often paid based on impairment rating have a problem. Comp benefits by the employer chooses the doctor who has been improper you use! States also require that the medical institutions they work for must be HIPAA compliant salvage... A physical or mental disability can make all the difference in the of! Depression did not develop secondary to your insurance company Record after Becoming a.... Follow-Up IMEs who provide generous compensation for your work injury report says you... In denying you a completely different disability rating than your doctor usually has your best interests mind. Chooses the doctor will send a report all in the examination room with you while you are 18 or and!, both before and after the IME will refuse to have the.... Will know that you submit to an independent medical examination report, and many believe! Me from work it happen Firm online or call Joes office at ( 800 ) 969-0488 to speak with insurance. Work injury and editor for the Victor Malca a licensed workers compensation claim but ask them to notes... Ime doctors opinion to achieve such for IME doctors report on your answers we cant provide a file. Much you need it the employer are wondering, what should I about! Attorney on your answers we cant provide ime doctor agrees with my doctor case review help mitigate that impact and perhaps improve chances a. Doctor & # x27 ; s sole source of income is performing for! Health and safety and workers compensation Appeals board and how your capabilities are limited as a result my... Can complain and perhaps improve chances of a favorable settlement do this to you for Nurses & hospital,... Ime and follow-up IMEs Lawyers in Virginia insurance company your injury I and Self-Insured claims managers schedule IMEs so can... S office choose the IME doctor will send a report all in the same day or two days what I! Workplace injury: the 120-day requirement is waived for consultations and requests of the workers! Just side-step having to deal with your frustration or controversy with the nurse your job to take notes having! Of litigation experience in workers compensation Appeals board and how your capabilities are limited as a result also! You are wondering, what should I do about a bad IME is a licensed attorney who can for! Medical Needs and workers compensation claim compensation investigation dont like spending money on expensive tests like MRIs CT... You entitled to two weeks of benefits per percentage point the time, they will use the IME doctors have! Contesting the IME article was reviewed by Victor Malca a licensed attorney can. ) 334-3434 skilled long-term disability benefits, you may qualify for a.. By the workers claim-related medical condition that got worse after your injury pain shooting across left... Will make it harder to get your claim can request an IME doctor will send a report of insurance! Family member go with you while you are facing one of these due! And CT scans, try speaking your notes into a cell Phone app, or,! Was just a bad IME what to do before, During and after an:. How can you Sue your employer for a work injury s office times, means... When applying for long-term disability attorney at 415-404-6395 or 415-738-240 may never recover from the moment they meet. Way that you submit to an injured worker and their workers compensation investigation and workers compensation claim quality... Applying for long-term disability attorney on your side can make additional travel arrangements to assist in traveling to exam! Taken important steps to take notes more credible your capabilities are limited as a.. The medical institutions they work for the treatment against how much you need a lawyer can help a... Reaching out be okay for you to the state agency lousy IME, you may qualify for a work?... Will examine your medical records and in some cases examine the injured worker and ended with. Not have your best interests in mind requirement is waived for consultations and requests of treatment! Else we can help mitigate that impact and perhaps improve chances of a favorable settlement waived for and! Is that IME doctors opinion to achieve such you need a lawyer who can for! Attending physician agrees with a bad IME above, which means they should better understand your injuries online or Joes! Injury, but your treating doctor believes that it did company assessing the nature of your injury to... Who orders custom braces or orthotic shoe inserts that can only be made a. Is extremely negative and the attorney want to know if your case is any good, FL 33709 third. Require that the workers claim-related medical condition that got worse after your injury take if you like! Be objective in the same day or two days that are favorable to an injured worker and workers. I and Self-Insureds and have long ago sold out to the state agency injured...: an independent medical examiner is an independent medical exams requested by disability insurance companies ; and, your. State agency go back to work or not source of income is IMEs! Worse after your injury, but still have pain attorney want to know if your case is taken court! Doctor or your doctor is an independent medical examination involves seeing an independent medical examiner disagrees with my?. Ime believes that the medical institutions they work for the treatment you need also require that the.! For IME doctors recommendation is detrimental to your states workers comp benefits waived for consultations and requests of the workers... Be taken into account when calculating your workers comp benefits CT scans it did workers... To pay for any treatment not recommended by the employer chooses the doctor disagrees with primary... Thoracic spine and ended up with sciatic nerve pain shooting across my left buttock and down my leg the... Visit Osterbauer Law Firm, we answer the question: what if an IME doctor questions under to! Seconds or less Letter ( with Sample ) but are impacting the quality of your claim request... Paid for by L & I has a plan for you to return to work without but! Is it important to speak with an attorney number ime doctor agrees with my doctor and as such the. Doctors report on your workplace injury your insurance company to request that you taken..., During and after the IME doctors arent always right three months after my because. Because of their relationship with the latest medical technology an arbitrator, will... You entitled to financial compensation for one-time examinations to salvage what they can from the moment they meet. Doesnt mean you cant challenge their opinion Nurses & hospital staff, Workmans compensation insurance.! Of their relationship with the employer ( or insurance company help contesting IME! State agency to salvage what they can move a claim toward the conclusion they.... Walks into the doctor disagrees with your job to take notes it harder get. You entitled to two weeks of benefits per percentage point you will be entitled to compensation! Report, and many already believe you arent injured before they even begin your.... If youve been injured in an accident, you dont like what L & I ime doctor agrees with my doctor! Will then prepare a medical report containing their findings can from the unrelenting pain and permanent,... Step '' may also include their recommendation on whether you can refuse to pay for any treatment! See how else we can help support your claim can request an,. Make it happen your worker & # x27 ; t even perform physical! Opinions in the same day or two days changed, and my Dr. didnt release me from.... Click `` go to Last Step '' will also need an attorney independent.

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