Some workers’ compensation claims end up more complicated than many employees expect. In some cases, there may be concerns about the origins of the medical condition or questions about the proposed treatment plan.
When insurance providers have questions about a worker’s condition, the treatment that they require or even the restrictions that might limit their future job responsibilities, the matter may require an Independent Medical Examination (IME). If an insurance company requests an IME, the worker must attend or risk the loss of their benefits.
Understanding what happens during an IME can make it easier for workers to navigate these lengthy appointments and pursue the benefits that they require to offset the economic impact of job-related medical issues.
What can workers expect during an IME?
An IME is an in-depth medical evaluation performed by an outside physician not currently involved in the worker’s treatment. Blue-collar workers facing functional limitations that create job restrictions are among those likely to face a request for an IME during a workers’ compensation claim.
The process involves numerous diagnostic tests and ongoing conversations that can provide insight into the extent of an individual’s symptoms and how their condition might affect their ability to perform job functions.
The physician performing the IME writes down details about everything from challenges during specific physical assessments to discrepancies between how the worker behaves during the official examination and immediately before or after the examination. The goal is to determine what limitations exist, what treatment is necessary and if the condition impedes the professional’s ability to perform standard job functions for their position.
The physician may monitor the worker as they arrive and also as they exit to leave the facility. Any drastic changes in a date or behavior during the exam versus before or after the exam can raise questions about the validity of a worker’s symptoms.
Professionals facing workers’ compensation controversies, including questions about their symptoms, the treatment they require or their workplace restrictions, may require legal assistance to ensure they secure the benefits and on-the-job support they require. Partnering with a workers’ compensation attorney can help those who need benefits or who have functional limitations that require work restrictions to better ensure that they can perform their job safely moving forward.
