Has anyone had to go through an IME ( independent medical exam)
 

My workers comp insurance has scheduled an IME. Not sure what to expect.
Su seb

I have...
 

Be prepared for the ride of your life - Unless you were rendered brain dead or comatose you will likely not get a favorable opinion. Sorry to say. Maybe you will be 1 in a million. I assume your own doc had already treated you so the IME will provide an opinion whether you sustained the injuries you claim or not. What do you think your insurance company wants to hear?

An I.M.E. - supposedly an Independent Medical Examination, by a supposed Certified Independent Medical Examiner. :eek:

There are 2 types: one for your side, and one for their side.

Your side will be thorough, and will look for favorable aspects pertaining to what your physician is actually talking about.

Their side will 'look' at you like you don't have a problem from the get-go, and not find anything wrong and never report any findings that your physician found.

That's the hard truth of the matter.

I have had 5 of their I.M.E.'s in the last 3 years. All the reports ended with "he is ready to return to work, full duty" - please note my sig ....

I have just started having 'my side' I.M.E.'s , month's after already being declared Disabled by SSA's standards for SSDI - yep, my Work Comp situation is still ongoing after 3 years.

So far, the 2 Neurologists are wondering why the Insurance company has gotten away with the games they have been "playing" with the Work Comp Commission,especially after the SSDI decision; one of the "their" I.M.E. docs is facing a war with the Insurance companies because he even made recommendations in his report that the Insurance company has not followed through with.

And I just finished a 6 hour day with NPA, with a NeuroPsychologist that has been a consultant to the Work Comp Commision who is asking many questions about the actions of the Insurance company tactics...which he is planning to put to the Commission in a private letter.

So, if your I.M.E. is for the Insurance company from Work Comp, just tell your side, and don't hold your breath that anything you say will be reported as truth, they already made up their mind.....as Jinga said.

I've been thru 3 for repetitive injuries at work.

Be sure to request the copy of the IME report and have any copies from your doctor/testing etc sent to you.

Then any mistakes ( usually there are some, by accident or "untruths") can be noted/corrected & taken to your atty so they can make note of them for the record.
So much depends on the paperwork..

Basically the IME is hired by the work comp Ins company, so usually the report & findings are slanted to the wc ins favor and not yours.
Don't get upset ,it's just the way it is..

Just be aware of everything you do while in the IME waiting room & during the appt may be monitored or recorded.
Answer any questions , but don't be overly chatty, or talk about any other things.

They have been known to pull some tricks , like if someone reports they can't turn their neck to the left, they may try to get them to look at something to that side or such. Or get you talking about vacations or holidays plans...
Some have said the IME dr has pulled or raised an arm etc (if pain was said to be there or if it can't be lifted a certain height).

Just be on your guard and aware of everything. Take notes as soon as you get in your car if anything odd happens.
If you experience any added issues, symptoms or pain afterwards go to your dr for a update exam, and let atty know (paper trail & records).

You can read more or search (search link is in my siggy) about IME on our Layoffs, Unemployment and Worker's Compensation forum.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum30.html

hopefully you have a good atty on your side and good solid drs & reports.

about WC
 

I know of another person caught in this web, their side, your side. Unfortunately, your life and quality of life is on the line. Make notes of all your symptoms on a daily basis, and try to bring someone with you to back up what you are going through. They have to document that. Make sure "their side" listens and responds. Write down what they say. You can also get a copy of their report, for your own doctor to take a look at. All these games make me angry, a persons life in on the line, and just how well they will do. It just doesn't seems right. My friend worked 35 years and got injured. It took an outside doctor before the WC doctor agreed. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie:hug:

I've had several, and have run the gamut from concerned and supportive to me being an abject liar and not going to get away with it. I've also been surveilled, my house staked out and cars following me if I drove somewhere.

Hi kenjhee
 

I have some real anger issues as well. I was not allowed to keep a trust that was to keep me in my home and pay taxes. System is lousy even if you work hard. ginnie:hug:

One main point for w comp is to show & prove your injury was work related, and the amount of injury and any ongoing issues.

So if you have witnesses to the injury happening, that is a big plus.
Then just proving how much injured you are is the sticking point.
The " invisible" injuries are the hardest to prove.
A good health history /time line and solid drs notes/reports will help.

At the time of my injury, there were 9 people in the Operating room, all involved in their part of patient preparation, all witness to my striking the Anesthesia machine and moving it with my head, while we were moving the patient table and the patient.

All heard the Anesthesiologist exclaim about the machine being jostled and the monitor being shaken and thrown out of whack by my striking the machine.

I listed all the names on my report. The Neurosurgeon even commented, patting me on my shoulder about my "concussion" at that time.

They have not talked to any of them, my attorney is waiting on them to address it, so he can bring it up on "cross". He calls it one of his "aces".

I had a Good experience
 

I have had Two really Good experience with the independant medicali assessment. I was in a car accident March 2012, the insurance company sent me to an occupational therapist and a physician. I was very apprehensive but was amazed at The outcome. Both professionals came right out and told me that i was no no where near able to work. The occupational therapist stopped the Testing in the Middleton because he believed that i could do no more. I am going later on the months to See a neurologist, hopefully i will have the same experience. I also got some information from Both these individuals which was helpful. My disability insurance is being continued on the recommendation of Both these professionals.