[Macy Jay]

Why am I not allowed to have a chaperone at a worker's compensation IME? I was scheduled to have an IME for a knee injury that occured while at work. I took my husband with me, as my chaperone. I did this for several reasons. First, I believe that the doctor would be more inclined to be honest with a witness in the room. Second, it protects me from any inappropriate conduct or contact. Third, I object to a married woman being alone with another man, without the husband present on spiritual grounds. Especially since I would be required to disrobe. The doctor refused to perform the exam. I asked if he would do the exam with a female nurse present, and he refused that as well. Worker's compensation closed my case, claiming that I obstructed the exam. I did not know that I was not allowed to have a chaperone.

Why am I not allowed to have a chaperone or a witness at the IME? I did not see a law prohibiting that in the Arizona Revised Statues. Thank you,
Macy

[Sancho]

You well may have the right to a chaperone. Most workers comp law is not found in the statutes, but rather in regulations set up under the statutes. They are accessable, but not necessarily easily. I wonder if your state department of Labor has an ombudsman or similar office. My guess is that with proper legal knowledge you might be able to win this. Good luck!

[hairdresser]

Is it legal to tape the ime? Just a thought. You could say because of medications and being forgetful you would like to tape the medical evaluation so you could refer too it as needed. Just a thought.
This way if you didn't agree with something you could write a formal letter to your adjudicator discussing the issue.

[olecyn]

I took my husband to an IME
Had to he drives.
Glad I Did
California doesn't state you cannot have anyone with you.

[magilligar]

I go to all my husbands exams. He has a hard time remembering and he cant drive and he tells them that i might have questions too. I refused to leave the room when a wcb doctor wanted to exam him. he was mad but too bad I needed to be there because I was not going to trust a wcb doctor. you have the right to have anyone in the room with you.

[jwofford]

Our QME Dr. did not allow me to have my wife come in, but I was able to have a legel aid from my attorney's office with me for support. And the Dr. did not get angry

[jennyk38]

hi all!

I am scheduled for my second IME at the end of the month. The first IME I went to I brought my boyfriend along and it didn't seem to be a problem. Unfortunately, the doctor still basically said he did a very in-depth exam on me (which he didn't) and said I was perfectly fine I was diagnosed with rsd less than three months later and that is why I have to go to a second exam. I am very nervous because this will basically be the deciding factor in determining whether or not they will pay my medical bills associated with this life-long disease. I do indeed intend to bring someone with me and would also like to tape-record appt. to avoid any future confusion on what exactly happens during the "independant exam" I would like to know how to find out whether this is legal or not? any suggestions, advice, kind words appreciated jenny

[Krankie]

I know that I took someone with me to an IME and they were not allowed in, but they told me that if I did want someone present, you have to ok it or have it cleared before your appt. I suggest that as soon as you receive your paperwork next time for your appt., call either the W/C adjuster or the doctor's office to have it OKed first.

[Buzgal]

In the state of Wisconsin you are entitled to either have your Doctor or Lawyer present at your own cost.

[bebop]

wow I had my husband in with me.
do you have an attorney? you can fight this I think on your religious beliefs. worth a try at least.