Overview of IME's (Independent medical examinations)
When you are on the road to receiving benefits through workers’ compensation insurance for your work-related injury, one step in the process may be to have an Independent Medical Examination (an IME). Such an exam may be requested by your employer in order to get an expert’s opinion regarding your injury—both the nature and cause. In order to receive or continue to receive benefits, it is necessary to participate in this exam, but it is not as daunting as it may seem.
You will not have to bear the expenses of this exam. If your employer requests the IME, the costs of the exam itself and related items will be covered by the company. You should be given enough money to defray the costs of travel to and from the exam. This could be important, because if an appropriate expert is located a distance from you, you will be paid for a convenient method of travel. You should also be given money to help cover the costs of meals during the trip. Further, your employer should reimburse you for your lost wages in attending the IME.
Even though you will not be paying for the exam, it still must be scheduled at a time and place that is reasonable and convenient for you. Appropriate notice of the exam should be given to you as well, so the disruption to your life is minimized.
Though the physician performing the IME may be a treating physician, you are not obligated to receive treatment from him or her. The purpose of the visit is to gather information which is independent of your treating physician’s regarding your injury. The IME will likely consist of answering questions, reviewing your medical records and history, and having further medical tests. Through this process, the IME physician may look for information regarding the initial cause of the injury, and whether it was related to your employment. The physician may also make a determination as to the current state of your injury and the prognosis for future recovery.
The insurance company may use the results of the IME to derive the amount of benefits to be paid and the amount of any settlement offer. You will be entitled to receive a timely report, however, of the findings of the IME, just as your employer will.
If you are sent a notice for an IME, it is best to speak with your workers’ compensation attorney. Compliance with the IME may seem arduous, but it is both legally necessary, and can help speed up the progress of your claim, so you can continue on the road to receiving benefits for your injury. If you blow off this exam your benefits will be suspended.
Most of the doctors who perform these exams are honest, but some are for lack of a better term, whores. Your job is to be honest, don't exaggerate your problem and answer questions. It is your lawyer's job to prepare you for this exam and you should never go to one, if possible, without at least knowing what to expect.
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
