If you were hurt on the job and filed a workers comp claim, you will be asked to go through an independent medical exam conducted by a doctor hired by the insurer to assess your injury and treatment. It’s nothing personal, just business. Still, these exams can feel intimidating and confusing if you don’t know what to expect. Below, a Mississippi workers comp attorney explains what you should expect during this exam.
What Is an Independent Medical Examination (IME)?
An independent medical exam, or IME, is an evaluation of an employee’s medical condition by a doctor who is not involved in their regular medical care. In workers comp cases, insurance companies will often request an IME to confirm the diagnosis and opinions of the employee’s physician regarding their work injury.
IME doctors are independent third-party physicians hired to provide an unbiased evaluation of the employee’s condition. They review medical records and test results from the employee’s doctors, conduct their exams, and provide opinions on issues like:
- The cause of the injury or illness
- The appropriate course of treatment
- When the employee can return to work
- Any permanent impairment or work restrictions
IMEs aim to determine objective medical facts to help clarify disagreements between the employee’s and employer’s physicians.
When Is an IME Used in a Workers Compensation Case?
An independent medical examination is often requested by insurance companies or employers in workers compensation cases. An IME allows an independent doctor to provide an unbiased evaluation of a claimant’s medical condition and disability status.
When Suspicion Arises
If there are doubts about the legitimacy or severity of a claim, an IME can be used to determine if the injury or illness is work-related or if the treatment has been reasonable and necessary. For example, if a claimant has remained off work for an extended period for a seemingly minor injury or if medical bills appear excessive given the diagnosis.
Before Approving or Denying a Claim
An IME may also be requested before approving or denying a long-term disability claim to confirm the claimant’s condition and prognosis. The exam aims to verify that the injury prevents the claimant from working and requires ongoing care and income replacement.
To Assess Readiness to Return to Work
Finally, an IME can be used to determine if a claimant is physically capable of returning to work, either full-time or on a gradual basis. The independent doctor will evaluate if the claimant’s condition has improved enough to allow resuming regular duties or if workplace accommodations are still needed before returning to work.
What to Expect During an IME Appointment
The purpose of an independent medical examination is for an independent physician to evaluate your injury claim. The examiner will determine the cause of your injury, review your medical records and treatment history, examine you, and provide their professional opinion.
The IME physician will review all records from your treating doctors pertaining to your injury. Be prepared for them to ask you questions about your medical history, symptoms, treatments, and response to treatments.
The doctor will conduct a physical exam tailored to your specific injury. They will check your range of motion, pain levels, and other signs to determine the severity and permanence of your impairment. Try to relax during the exam, though it may cause some discomfort.
After the exam, the IME physician will review all the information and provide their professional opinion on your injury. They will determine if it was work-related, the severity if you have any permanent disability and if further treatment is necessary.
Reach Out to an Experienced Mississippi Workers Compensation Lawyer
Workers compensation claims can be complex, with many medical and legal issues to navigate. An experienced Mississippi workers comp attorney can help ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to under the law.
For the best outcome in your workers comp case, it is important to work with attorneys who have a thorough understanding of independent medical exams and how to counteract their impact. Call our firm today at 601-519-4181 to schedule a free consultation.
