If you’ve been injured on the job and filed a workers’ compensation claim, you may be asked to attend an Independent Medical Exam (IME). For many injured workers, this can be confusing or even intimidating. Understanding what an IME is, why it happens, and how it can affect your case is essential to protecting your workers’ compensation benefits.
An Independent Medical Exam is a medical evaluation requested by the workers’ compensation insurance company. Despite the name, the exam is not conducted by your treating doctor. Instead, it is performed by a physician chosen by the insurer to assess your injury, treatment progress, and ability to return to work. The results of this exam can have a significant impact on your claim.
Insurance companies use IMEs to evaluate whether your injury is work-related, whether ongoing treatment is necessary, and whether you are capable of returning to work in some capacity. In some cases, the IME doctor may be asked to determine if your injury has reached maximum medical improvement, meaning further treatment is unlikely to result in additional recovery.
It’s important to understand that the IME doctor does not provide treatment and is not acting as your personal physician. Their role is to issue an opinion based on a one-time evaluation. Because these opinions can influence benefit decisions, injured workers should approach IMEs carefully and be prepared.
During an IME, you should answer questions honestly but avoid exaggerating or minimizing your symptoms. Be clear about how the injury affects your ability to work and perform daily tasks. The exam may be brief, but the report can carry significant weight in determining wage replacement benefits, medical coverage, and disability status.
If the IME report conflicts with your treating physician’s findings, the insurance company may attempt to reduce or deny benefits. This is one of the most common ways workers’ compensation disputes arise. When this happens, having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is critical. Legal representation can challenge unfavorable IME findings, request additional medical opinions, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
At The Law Office of Stephen J. Dennis, we help injured workers understand and navigate Independent Medical Exams. We prepare clients for what to expect, review IME reports carefully, and take action when those reports are inaccurate or unfair. Our goal is to make sure one exam does not jeopardize the benefits our clients deserve.
If you’ve been scheduled for an IME or have questions about how it may affect your workers’ compensation claim, getting legal guidance early can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
