Independent Medical Exams: The Workers’ Compensation Beast

If you have been injured at work, you may have heard the term “IME” being thrown around.

Well, what is an IME? How does it affect you and your case?

An independent medical examination (IME) in the context of workers’ compensation is a medical examination conducted by a neutral and independent health care provider, typically at the request of the workers’ compensation insurance carrier or the employer. The purpose of an IME is to evaluate an injured worker’s medical condition, the extent of their injuries, the need for ongoing medical treatment, and the potential for returning to work.

Now, you know what an IME might be, but how does it come into play?

An IME doctor is basically going to have a short interview with you after reviewing hundreds of pages of your medical records. They will not treat you, prescribe medication, or offer any advice. Then, that doctor will write a report about you and your injury, usually 3-15 pages long. The doctor then sends that report to the person who paid for the IME. The IME is then used as evidence for the purposes described above. 

How hurt are you? How is treatment going, or is any more treatment needed? When can you return to work? Will you have restrictions? 

Oftentimes, when an IME is needed in your claim (which can be a whole other beast of determination), it is ordered and paid for by the employer or their insurance carrier. However, plaintiffs (which is you, the injured worker) can also obtain IMEs.

It’s important to note that the purpose of an IME is to ensure that the workers’ compensation system is used appropriately and that injured workers receive the necessary care. However, disputes and disagreements can sometimes arise over the findings of these examinations, and legal representation is often recommended to protect the injured worker’s rights during the workers’ compensation process.

That is how Finderson Law can help. Our firm offers free consultations to discuss your case. Call our firm at (260) 420-8600, use the chat box on our website, or text us using the website link! We are always here to help bring our clients comfort, hope, and ease regarding the complications of the law. As Attorney Roger Finderson is now licensed in Florida, we are happy to help Floridians alongside our Hoosiers in every way possible.