My Independent Medical Exam Is Inaccurate - Your Next Steps

If you are injured at work and are considering filing for workers’ compensation, you will need to have your injuries assessed by a medical professional. This appointment is oftentimes referred to as an Independent Medical Examination, or IME. Unfortunately, your employer may have a hand in ensuring that this exam isn’t entirely “independent,” and of course accuracy issues can always come into play.

So what should you do if you believe there are inaccuracies or biases in your independent medical exam? We explain what steps you should take in today’s blog.

Countering Inaccuracies In Your Work Injury IME

Although you have the right to visit a doctor of your choosing for your independent medical exam, there’s a chance you end up going to a doctor whose report favors your employer. Perhaps you visited a doctor that was recommended by your employer, or you ended up being forced to choose someone other than your primary care provider because of network coverage regulations. Either way, you may have ended up with a doctor with a history of providing favorable reports for your employer.

If you believe this is the case and your report is inaccurate, or you simply want a second provider to review your condition with an independent medical exam, here’s a look at some of the ways you can work to get a more accurate report. Let’s start by what you can do at your first IME:

To help ensure your first IME is accurate, you should:

Show up on time
Bring any relevant medical records
Be truthful in your description of the accident and your symptoms
Be consistent and concise with your answers
If possible, record the appointment or bring a witness to the IME

It is also helpful to connect with a lawyer both before and after the appointment. They will be able to help prepare you for your IME and the questions you may face, and they can navigate any issues you may have after the fact. It should also be noted that you should never skip an IME, even if you believe the provider may have a history of siding with the insurance company, because skipping this appointment can jeopardize your claim as well.

If you have problems with any aspect of your IME, your first step should be to connect with your lawyer. You are always within your rights to seek out a second opinion, and your lawyer can help you find a provider who could offer a less biased opinion on the extent of your injuries. Choosing a provider with a history of fair and independent examinations for injured workers can go a long way in helping you prove your case. Whether it’s your initial or subsequent IME, it’s imperative that you review the report soon after it is completed in order to assess its accuracy and inform your lawyer of any potential issues. The longer you wait to take umbrage with part of the IME, the harder it will be to prove that an actual mistake exists.

Follow the above tips and know that you always have options if you connect with a lawyer in the event that you feel that your independent medical exam is not a fair representation of your injuries. Let us get you the compensation and fair treatment you deserve after a work injury. For more information, or for help with a different aspect of your work injury case, reach out to Dean and the team at Margolis Law Firm today at (952) 230-2700.