What Happens After an IME?
- The exam is converted into a report. That report is now called the IME.
- The IME goes to L&I or the Self Insured Employer.
- They usually send a copy to your doctor with a cover letter to your doctor asking them to agree or disagree with the IME report.
What happens during an Ime?
An IME is not like a regular doctor visit. It is often quite short. There is no doctor-patient relationship or confidentiality, so anything that you say to the doctor can make its way into the report. Before you attend an IME, there are several things that you can do to feel more confident and relaxed: Review your entire medical history.
What does an Ime doctor look for in a case?
What an IME Doctor Looks For. An IME doctor will normally prepare at least one report for the case, summarizing the doctor's findings and conclusions. In some cases the defense will ask for a supplemental report on a specific issue, or the IME doctor will provide a supplement after reviewing additional medical records.
How often do I have to submit to an Ime?
Under Pennsylvania law, an insurance company can only ask you to submit to an IME twice a year. The doctor performing the IME will receive all relevant medical information before the examination. The insurance company often includes a letter that requests the doctor to examine you for a specific reason:
Do I have to follow an Ime?
An IME does not constitute any form of medical treatment. Even if an IME doctor gives you advice about how to treat your injuries, you are not obliged to follow it. Under Pennsylvania law, an insurance company can only ask you to submit to an IME twice a year.
What is a favorable IME?
If the case is not in litigation, the answer to what the employer will do with the IME report depends on what it says. If the report is favorable to you and indicates that your condition and/or ability to work is unchanged, the employer may do nothing with the report or may try to settle your case.
How long does IME last?
Most appointments should last 30 minutes to an hour. He or she will do a simple battery of tests that include range of motion, reflexes, pain response, Q+A, medical history, walking (such as on your heels and toes) and maybe some others. Be complete with your medical history.
What can you do with 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. This will help them determine if there are any “objective” signs of an injury related to your workplace accident.
How do I beat an IME?
5 Ways You Can Beat a UNUM IME ReportDon't Exaggerate Your Symptoms. ... Build Strong Relationships With Your Treating Doctors. ... Assume You're Under Surveillance Before and After an IME. ... Bring a Trustworthy Witness With You. ... Consult an Experienced Disability Insurance Lawyer.
What should you not say in an IME?
What Not to Say to the Independent Medical Examination DoctorDo not ask the physician for a diagnosis. ... Do not exaggerate the symptoms of your injuries or occupational illness. ... Avoid saying more than you should.
How do I prepare for a medical defense exam?
Try to remember each of the injuries or complaints from which you suffered in the past, if any. The defense interests will obtain records of all of your past injuries. If they are similar to those received in this incident, call your attorney and discuss these injuries before the examination.
What do you say in an IME?
First and foremost, always tell the truth! It's important to be completely honest at your IME and tell the truth about anything you are experiencing. Defense teams and insurance companies make it their priority to deny or limit coverage in workers' comp claims.
What do you wear to an IME?
You will be more comfortable if you wear loose, comfortable clothes, and flat shoes. Bring a t-shirt and shorts to wear during the physical examination. Breaks will be offered during the evaluation.
When can an employer request an IME?
A failure of an employee to provide accurate and necessary medical information may lead to an employer's request for an IME. In one recent Ontario decision — Bottiglia v.
How do I pass a medical evaluation?
7 Tips for a Successful Medical Exam1) Get a good night's sleep. Try to get eight hours the night before your exam so your blood pressure is as low as possible.2) Avoid salty or fatty foods. ... 3) Avoid exercise. ... 4) Don't drink coffee or any caffeinated products. ... 5) Fast. ... 6) Drink water. ... 7) Know your meds.
What can I expect from a medical evaluation?
Typically, the patient will meet with a nurse first who will ask them about their medical history, allergies, past surgeries, immunizations, and any symptoms they might be experiencing. After that, the doctor will conduct a vital signs check, physical exam and visual exam.
What is IME letter for Canada medical?
An immigration medical exam (IME) from a panel physician is required as part of your permanent residence application. Your family members must also have a medical exam, even if they aren't coming with you.
How long does it take to get an IME report back in Maryland?
After the IME, the doctor will issue a report. Usually, that takes about 30 days.
How long does it take to get an IME report back in Washington state?
An IME is a patient interview requested by L&I to review your medical history and details of your accident, followed by a physical examination of the injured area. An IME takes about 30 minutes, but it can be several weeks or months before you hear back from L&I regarding the outcome from the IME.
How long does it take to get an IME report back in NY?
within 10 daysThe IME exam generates a report that is sent to all parties generally within 10 days. The report may or may not agree with your doctor and often will vary, especially in assessing your degree of disability.
How long does it take to get an IME report back in California?
within 30 daysIn some states, the IME report must be produced within a certain timeframe. For example, the California Code of Civil Procedure states that such a report must be produced within 30 days of the examination.
What happens if an IME doctor agrees with you?
If the IME doctor agrees, you might wonder if that means that you’re free and clear and will continue to receive the benefits that you were set to receive before you were asked to complete the IME. For the most part, this is true. 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. On rare occasions, an arbitrator will need to get involved to enforce a decision because either the employer or the insurance company is not willing to go along with what the IME doctor and your doctor both agree on.
What Is an IME?
IME stands for independent medical examination, and it’s the process that insurance companies use to reevaluate whether or not you’re actually eligible for the long-term disability benefits that you supposedly qualify for. During this process, a doctor looks at your previous medical records and does an examination on your to determine whether or not you fit the qualifications. The IME doctor could also order more tests to determine your health status. The doctor will then use this information to determine whether they agree with your personal doctor or not.
When to take notes for IME?
When you undergo an IME, you’ll 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 doesn’t sound right to you later. You might choose to take notes on a few important issues when you get to your car, or you might choose to wait until you’re home if you live near the doctor’s office.
Do you have to be careful when leaving the doctor's office?
You need to be careful when you leave the doctor’s office where your IME evaluation is done. More than likely, the doctor and other staff members will be watching the way that you act as you leave. For instance, if you came in with a limp and suddenly don’t have it when you walk out the front door to the clinic, there’s a good chance that the doctors are taking note of that, especially if this information affects your claim.
Is an insurance company responsible for medical exams?
One of the most important things that a claimant needs to understand is that these medical exams aren’t as independent from the insurance company as they might sound. 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 you’re showing in the way that you behave can cast doubt on your truthfulness.
Can my insurance stop paying my IME claim?
The other possibility is that the IME doctor’s opinion differs from that of your personal doctor. In this case, the insurance provider can stop paying your claim. 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.
Why Am I Required to Attend an IME?
Here is what you need to know: If you refuse to attend an IME, the insurance company may hire a lawyer to take you to court to stop your benefits. Your benefits should not be stopped without a hearing.
Why do you not have to attend an IME?
The purpose of an IME is for the insurance company to gather information from an expert to determine whether to award or deny you workers’ compensation benefits .
What Is an Independent Medical Exam (IME)?
If you’ve been injured on the job and asked to undergo an IME, the first thing you need to understand about the examination is that it’s not independent. A doctor chosen and paid by the insurance company examines you. They then give the insurance company their opinion about your injury. The doctor’s opinion includes the cause of your injury, your disability, your ability to work and any future medical treatments you may require.
How Will an Unfavorable IME Impact My PA Workers’ Comp Case?
You, or your lawyer, can challenge the findings of an IME, such as when:
What Should I Tell the Doctor During an IME?
If there is one good piece of advice about speaking to a doctor during an IME it’s stick to the facts:
What is an IME in workers comp?
If the employee submits a workers’ comp claim, the employer’s insurance company may ask the injured worker to have an independent medical examination (IME). A doctor chosen by the insurance company will perform the examination.
How often do you have to submit an IME in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania law, an insurance company can only ask you to submit to an IME twice a year. The doctor performing the IME will receive all relevant medical information before the examination.
What is an IME in medical?
In order to get an independent evaluation of a plaintiff's injury, the defense may demand an Independent Medical Examination (IME), an evaluation of the plaintiff by a doctor of the defendant's choice. The IME doctor does not provide treatment.
Why do defendants request IME?
Some defendants almost always request an IME for strategic purposes, even when they have little doubt about the validity of the injury claim. When more than one aspect of a plaintiff's health are at issue, the plaintiff may have to participate in more than one IME.
How many reports does an IME doctor prepare?
An IME doctor will normally prepare at least one report for the case, summarizing the doctor's findings and conclusions. In some cases the defense will ask for a supplemental report on a specific issue, or the IME doctor will provide a supplement after reviewing additional medical records.
What is an IME in workers compensation?
In personal injury and workers' compensation cases, the defense will often seek an "IME" or "Independent Medical Examination". The term used to describe an independent medical exam may vary depending upon the state where litigation is occurring and the type of case. Examinations that can be very similar to IMEs include the Qualified Medical ...
When does an IME doctor observe a plaintiff?
The IME doctor will observe the plaintiff from the moment they first meet. Evaluation starts when the plaintiff walks into the doctor's office. Plaintiffs should assume that any staff members present at the doctor's office are making observations of the plaintiff that will be reported to the IME doctor.
Does an IME doctor provide treatment?
The IME doctor does not provide treatment. Instead, the doctor examines the patient and reviews pertinent medical records, then provides the defense with a report assessing the plaintiff's injuries. The report will typically address:
Can a lawyer instruct you not to do IME?
Your lawyer may instruct you not to subject yourself to certain tests or procedures that are not appropriate as part of the IME.
Appealing a Denied Work Comp Claim
The appeals process is relatively straightforward. You’ll file your appeal with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). A hearing will be scheduled, and your attorney will plead your case before the commissioner. Your employer and their insurer will then have the chance for a rebuttal, and your denial will either be overturned or upheld.
Reach Out to a North Carolina Workers Comp Lawyer
If you are interested in protecting your workman’s comp rights throughout the IME process, or if you need legal representation so you can appeal a denial you received, schedule a free consultation with a North Carolina workers compensation lawyer at Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, P.A.
Jacqueline Marie Thomas
There are 2 types of IMEs in NY. Both the No Fault insurance company as well as the defendant's insurance company have the right to conduct them.
David Ian Schoen
The IME doctor hired by the insurance company will take the side of the insurance company. They will use the doctor's opinions to reduce the value of your claim. Contact a personal injury lawyer in your area.
Kevin William Attkisson
You need to retain an attorney to assist you with your accident claim. Do not do this on your own, especially if the insurance company wants to perform an IME. Thy are obviously questioning your injuries.
Robin Jean Gray
Do not agree to an IME without consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer first. The insurance company wants to send you to a doctor who does work for the insurance company and is not independent. Insurance companies typically send people to an IME so the insurance company can get a favorable report.
C. Donald Briggs III
What happens is you retain a lawyer now so you don't sabotage your good claim. Avvo has a terrific "find a lawyer" tool to locate a top-rated Avvo attorney with a low contingency fee. Good luck.
What happens after IME is over?
Once the IME is all over with, you’ll just have to wait to see what it says . The insurance company will make a choice after reviewing their report — to continue paying your benefits, or to cut you off.
What is the outcome of an independent medical examination?
A successful outcome for after an independent medical examination would be that you come out of it with your credibility bolstered. You want the doctor to think you’re a trustworthy and honest person, and hopefully they indicate this in their report.
Why is it important to catch a doctor contradicting themselves?
You want to catch them contradicting themselves to hurt their credibility.
What happens if you are under surveillance by insurance?
If you happen to be under surveillance by the insurance company, there’s a chance that they will be watching to see what you do afterwards, as well. They might watch how you walk from the office to the car. They may wait at your home to see how you enter your front door.
Can you meet someone for lunch after an IME?
You probably won’t want to exert yourself too much, anyway. And yes, this probably means you shouldn’t make plans to meet someone for a late lunch after your IME.
Does IME end when you leave the exam room?
You should run with the assumption that the IME doesn’t end until you arrive safely back at your home. For one, the doctor and their staff will likely watch and make notes of how you seem when you leave the exam room. They will watch how you walk out.
What Is An Ime?
- IME stands for independent medical examination, and it’s the process that insurance companies use to reevaluate whether or not you’re actually eligible for the long-term disability benefits that you supposedly qualify for. During this process, a doctor looks at your previous medical records and does an examination on your to determine whether or not you fit the qualifications. The IME …
When Is The Ime Over?
- You need to be careful when you leave the doctor’s office where your IME evaluation is done. More than likely, the doctor and other staff members will be watching the way that you act as you leave. For instance, if you came in with a limp and suddenly don’t have it when you walk out the front door to the clinic, there’s a good chance that the doctors are taking note of that, especially i…
Things to Note About The Ime
- When you undergo an IME, you’ll 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 doesn’t sound right to you later. You might choose to take notes on a few important issues when you get to your car, or you might choose to wait until you’...
The Scenarios
- You should prepare yourself for two basic scenarios: the IME doctor agrees with your doctor or disagrees with your doctor. If the IME doctor agrees, you might wonder if that means that you’re free and clear and will continue to receive the benefits that you were set to receive before you were asked to complete the IME. For the most part, this is true. If the IME doctor agrees with you…
How We Can Help
- There are several ways in which the team at Osterhout Berger Disability Law can help you receive the benefit you deserve. We help individuals who need to… 1. Apply for Social Security Benefits and want to ensure everything is done right the first time 2. Appeal a denial of Social Security Disability Benefits 3. Appeal an existing denial of Long Term Disability(LTD) Benefits If you are f…