Yes, they are. The case progress IME must occur at least 120 days after receipt of the claim or the last case progress IME. The IME doctor could also order more tests to determine your health status. On the contrary, most of them are instructed to disprove your claim. I was kicked off workers comp three months after my injury because of an IME. Our Confidentiality Pledge The information you give us is private and confidential. If the IME doctor agrees with your doctor in terms of the treatment that youre receiving and your overall abilities and disabilities, your employer will act in accordance with what the IME doctor has proposed for your treatment in the workplace. Everything you say or do will be reported to the insurance company and can be used against you. Doctors hired to perform IMEs are paid by the workers comp insurance company handling your claim. I suggest you do something to help yourself. Legal authority for this exists in Section 12 of the Illinois Worker Compensation Act: "An employee entitled to receive disability payments shall be required, if . When Can Independent Medical Exams be Requested? Chris has been helping injured Washington State workers for over 40 years. On rare occasions, an arbitrator will need to get involved to enforce a decision because either the employer or the insurance company is not willing to go along with what the IME doctor and your doctor both agree on. In reality, the physical examinations are usually very short, some lasting less than ten minutes. Or the doctor gave you a completely different disability rating than your doctor. A free phone consultation or email gets that figured out quickly. This hearing will be a battle of the experts. Most attorneys offer a free consultation and most states limit legal fees for workers comp cases. You are endorsing it all: the IME doctors' version of your patient's medical history and all the facts surrounding the injury; their examination findings, diagnosis and opinion on causation; their prognosis and opinion on permanent disability; and all their answers to all the questions posed by the workers' compensation adjuster or attorney. My finger got caught in a shopping cart and then smashed on a conveyor belt while I was working in the state of Hawaii. For example, if your doctor agrees with the IME and says you are fixed and stable then L&I will move to close the claim. IME doctors may review a case file, conduct an IME, and write a report all in the same day or two days. }else{ The doctor that performed that exam. The workers compensation insurance company is allowed to order an IME (or 2 or even 3) for several different reasons but, basically, an IME is in exam by an independent medical doctor. The IME doctor may be expensive and the veteran must pay the bill up front and out of his/her own pocket. Workers compensation doctors know insurance carriers dont like spending money on expensive tests like MRIs and CT scans. Please answer a few more questions and then click "Go to Last Your Email: Workers Comp: Settlements for Back Injury, Workers Comp: Settlements for Bulging Disc, Workers Comp: Settlements for Herniated Disc, Workers Comp: Settlements for Ankle Injuries, Workers Comp: Settlements for Brain Injury, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Workers Compensation and Unemployment Information All 50 States, Workers Compensation Deadlines All 50 States, Personal Injury Statute of Limitations All 50 States, Can You See Your Own Doctor on Workers Comp? Questions are answered and no time is wasted. We are very short staffed, so I went in on my day off to. To resolve a new medical issue, after the filing of an appeal, or to assess case progress. An IME doctor is not your doctor - The evaluation does not create a doctor patient-relationship. There might also be an arbitrator, who will decide whether the IME doctor or your doctor is more credible. They usually send a copy to your doctor with a cover letter asking them to agree or disagree with the IME report: Doctor, if you disagree, write a lengthy report. Another potential conflict of interest arises when doctors own or have financial connections in the healthcare facilities they are referring you to for diagnostic exams or treatment. 25 Questions to Ask Your Workers Comp Lawyer. With this, its inevitable that the IME doctor will disagree with your treating doctor. The vendors are like middle-men, who provide IME doctors to all of the different insurance carriers in New York. Workers comp refuses to order MRI for elbow injury? Many make hundreds of thousands of dollars per year by sticking it to injured workers. So, if you are wondering, Why does the IME doctor disagree with my doctor?, you are not alone. Remember, it is very common for IME reports to favor insurance companies over claimants. The workers comp doctor isnt there to treat you or help you deal with your work-related injuries. But that doesnt mean you cant challenge their opinion. But in most cases, its the insurance company that gets to choose the IME doctor. Nothing personal for them you are just a claim number. You must complete a travel reimbursement form within one year of the exam and include your receipts. case or situation. In cases like this, an experienced workers compensation lawyer like Victor Malca can help you. An independent medical examination (IME) is. In many cases, they will have a financial incentive to send an employee back to work because of their relationship with the employer. var hash = location.hash.replace("#",""); I was seen at the hospital and then told to go to. In fact, there might even be people from the insurance company surveilling you at your home, watching you as you walk inside your house. But if you choose to take notes with pen and paper, take a picture with your phone, too, so that you have a time-stamped record of when you wrote those notes so that its less likely that someone can accuse you of having forgotten and taken inaccurate notes. Your Name: L&I and Self-Insured claims managers schedule IMEs so they can move a claim toward the conclusion they desire. In some states, that should be taken into account when calculating your workers comp benefits. Florida Workers Comp Laws: A Quick Guide for Injured Workers. Is any further medical treatment necessary? In contrast, your treating doctor has seen you for multiple appointments over the months since your injury. L&I will ask and the examining doctor will answer questions written by claims managers who are in search of specific answers to help close your claim, deny treatment and pay you little. } Therein lies the problem. Dont try to conceal pre-existing conditions. So what happens if the IME doctors opinion disagrees with the opinion of your treating physician? A base of a work basket was hit by another associate by mistake which moved the front end of the basket. Questions about hiring an attorney? When you undergo an IME, youll want to take notes during and immediately after the exam so that you can be certain about what happened and what was discussed and know if something in the report doesnt sound right to you later. } Ex. His experience and continued success when fighting for his clients puts him among the most trusted workers compensation attorneys in Florida. Yes, you can. ---Filing for Social Security DisabilityAppealing a SSD DenialShort/Long Term Disability Claim The IME physician reviewed different records than your treating doctor, The IME doctor follows different treatment plans than your treating physician. Your use of this site does NOT create an attorney-client relationship. Call our worker compensation Attorney at 415-404-6395 or 415-738-240. Nurse case managers are registered nurses whose job is to facilitate communication between the doctor and the insurance company. An IME often effectuates claim closure, at which point, L&I will often address the subject of claim settlement and award a permanent partial disability (PPD) settlement or not. and the Osterbauer Law Firm stand up for injured Minnesota workers rights. Youll be observed from the time you arrive at the IME location. Your doctor can initial in 5 seconds and be done with it OR your doctor can spend an hour or more writing a report about their findings and how the other doctor is wrong. Evaluation starts when the plaintiff walks into the doctor's office. The IME doctor will not prescribe medication, will not treat you, and is not there to help. Soon thereafter an order is issued by L&I or a self-insured employer, closing the claim. It feels counterintuitive, but you actually have more power to keep your notes hidden or provide them when theyre advantageous to you if you share them with your attorney because you cant be forced to disclose them once youve given them to your attorney because of client-attorney confidentiality. Underscoring this view is the seminal case medical malpractice case in Maryland on this issue is Hoover v. Williamson, 236 Md. Some of the reasons why this can happen are because: When there are differences of opinion regarding your condition, the insurance company will side with whichever report they deem the most credible. To do so, IME exams are scheduled with doctors who will help them manage a claim. It is unlikely to help your case. I am still in a lot of pain because my. You have NO right to confidentiality with this medical exam. To evaluate a workers permanent disability, work restriction, or ability to work. Does Winning The Lottery Affect Your Social Security Disability Benefits? Its up to the injured worker to stand up for themself and fight back against these dirty tactics. If you need to go to an independent medical exam, your attorney can explain what you need to say, what you should not say, and what you should do once the appointment is over. Medical treatment is stopped immediately. You need a lawyer who can advocate for the treatment you need. Suite 1202, Unfortunately, based on your answers we cant provide a case review. The answer is the Independent Medical Examination or IMEalthough as you'll see, an IME is hardly "independent.". Do not let the insurance company push you back to work before you are ready you could get injured again. The report below reflects the criticisms of the pre-2000 law, some of which were addressed in the amendments. An L&I settlement is money paid at claim closure for a work related job injury. You just received the independent medical examination report, and the doctor disagrees with your primary treating physician about nearly everything. If possible, have a friend or family member go with you to the IME. Request a copy of the IME doctors report. Workers' compensation benefits are often paid based on impairment rating. Funding can range from $500-$100,000, depending on your case and needs. Does that sound independent to you? Under the Workers Compensation Act your employer or its insurer can force you to attend one IME per medical specialty per year. To make a decision regarding claim allowance or reopening. Their opinions are heavily biased, and many already believe you arent injured before they even begin your examination. An Independent Medical Exam (IME) is an opportunity for the employer (really the employers workers compensation insurance company) to have you examined by a doctor of their choosing. Questions about hiring an attorney? Your lawyer may have to attend a hearing with the workers compensation judge to present your doctors report and rebut the IME report. You will have to balance the cost of the treatment against how much you need it. The IME is a type of medical examination where an independent third party evaluates the condition of an injured worker. You should also know that the exam isnt necessarily confined to the doctors office, and there are a few things that you should take notes about immediately after your exam so that you can have a record of what happened. Talk to a workers compensation attorney. His law firm is helpful, honest, and knowledgeable about workers' compensation and personal injury law in the State of Washington. The accuracy of information provided on this site is not guaranteed. In cases where your employer's insurance company disputes your injuries, illness or disabilities, they may ask you to undergo an independent medical examination (IME). If an independent medical examiner says that you are ready to go back to work but you are concerned this might not actually be the case, there are some steps you should try to take as soon as possible. How To Pass A Continuing Disability Review. For additional information concerning the amended law, see. (You can read more in our guide to handling an IME.). Do not confuse politeness with your job to take care of yourself. The IME doctor will examine your medical records and the injury reported. To settle these disagreements and bring all parties on the same page, an IME is usually conducted. Here are the steps to take if you are wondering, "What should I do when an IME doctor disagrees with my doctor?": Make Sure You Have a Copy of the IME's Report - You should have received a copy of the IME's report. Copyright 2005-2022 | All Rights Reserved Worldwide. The insurance company disagrees with your treating physicians medical opinion. At the other end of the spectrum, the employee will be entitled to 6 weeks of benefits for every percentage of impairment that is more than 21%. You have clear legal rights; and, if the IMEs report is inaccurate, you should still be able to collect the benefits you deserve. That is not "independent." Instead, expect the IME doctor to disagree with the doctors you have hired to provide your medical care. An independent medical examination (IME) is usually requested when theres doubt about your workers compensation claim. jQuery("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: scrollToPosition }, 1000); But you may qualify for pre-settlement funding. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual Strictly speaking, you do not have to go back to work when an independent medical examiner disagrees with your doctor. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INJURED WORKER TO SALVAGE WHAT THEY CAN FROM THE L&I CLAIM. The responsibility of an IME doctor is only to ascertain your medical condition. In short, their opinion is invalid. Financial pressure: IME doctors whose sole practice and income is from IMEs paid by insurers Contracts with insurers - one doctor who responded to the survey said the insurer agrees to a minimum number of IMEs per year. In every case, the insurance company has the right to send you to an independent medical exam (IME). Book a free consultation today. The IME Doctor Disagrees With My Doctor: What Do I Do? To report a doctor who has been improper you can complain. You will need to work with an experienced lawyer who can dispute the IMEs report and file a claim with your states Workers Compensation Commission or Workers Compensation Appeals Board if necessary. Yes, the doctor should have that information from your medical records, but they may want to hear it from you. The doctor-patient relationship with an IME physician is all about your workers comp claim. 'Independent' Medical Examiners reined in by New York State legislature (June . 12 MUST KNOW Facts about Filing for Workers Comp, Workers Compensation for Exposure to Viruses, Harmful Substances, and Dangerous Environments, Seeking Workers Compensation for a Concussion. Understanding The Independent Medical Examination Process Before You Go, We Understand That IMEs Are Serious Business, Department of Health FAQ regarding Medical Complaints, Contact us today to schedule a complimentary and free case evaluation, Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form below, How to Settle a Washington State Labor and Industries Claim, Meet Chris Sharpe L&I Attorney & Lawyer, Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) L&I Settlement In Washington State, L&I Doctors and Medical Treatment in Washington State. Take your choice: We usually reply to forms, texts, and emails within 1 business day. Insurance adjuster requesting IME 6 months after injury? The IME doctor will be looking for inconsistencies in your story, so dont let anyone rush you. Additionally, if you dont agree with the IME doctor, you might be able to challenge their decision if they made it based on incomplete, incorrect, or outdated information. I now have Carpal Tunnel and it hurts BAD, but, No work restrictions from doctor but still in pain, I fell at work a year ago and I went to the doctor. 5-Step Disability Evaluation Under Social Security Do I have recourse after I was kicked off Workers Comp because of an IME? Like the doctor who orders custom braces or orthotic shoe inserts that can only be made by a company owned by the doctor. . Call Dabdoub Law Firmtoday at (800) 969-0488 to speak with an attorney about your case. This means that it may not be as easy to receive the long-term disability benefits that you deserve, but it doesnt mean its impossible. Do it or lose it! Approval takes < 24 hours with no credit checks and no obligation you only pay it back if you win your claim. Independent Medical Examination doctors can be tricky, so keep the following in mind: The exam is converted into a report. Back injury preventing me from working. Step", So far so good! If you havent been able to dress yourself since the accident, or sometimes have trouble making it to the bathroom in time, you must speak up. has over 27 years of litigation experience in Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability lawsuits. Most of the time, they use the IME doctors opinion to achieve such. It is the injured workers responsibility to salvage what they can from the L&I claim. Come see why fellow attorneys and past clients have voted me one of the Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Virginia. The IME process is riddled with tricks and traps designed to ruin your claim. Call 206-343-1988 or email and let us help you figure it out with a free consultation. , Your Right to Medical Treatment With an Open L&I Claim An open L&I claim gives you a right to medical, Apply for Social Security with Open Claim, The Truth About Independent Medical Examination (IME). The history and physical examination must be provided as a narrative of the findings. MD | Orthopedic Surgeon & Agreed Medical Evaluator 2019-05-29T06:38:56-07:00; Edward J. Yun, MD - Urology Medical Expert 2019-05 . He then said that if Dr. Demeter does not exam her, then her benefits will be denied. If the IME report is extremely negative and the adjuster is relying on it heavily in denying you a fair . The good news is your claim wont end just because of two doctors differing opinions. Even when doctors would normally recommend those diagnostic or therapeutic services, in workers comp cases, they wont mention it to the injured worker. Most insurance companies permit an injured worker to have a second evaluation from another doctor on their approved list. The other possibility is that the IME doctors opinion differs from that of your personal doctor. Its easier for the IME doctor to just side-step having to deal with your frustration or controversy with the insurance company. When an injury is severe enough, the injured person may never recover from the unrelenting pain and permanent disability. If the doctor failed to take a medical history from you, your attorney can point this out to the adjuster or use it in court and negotiations with the defendant's lawyer. In this case, the "independent third party" refers to the IME doctor. In either case, your doctor should provide a comprehensive diagnosis and prescribe a treatment plan that gets you back to work as safely and quickly as possible. During the IME examination the examining doctor makes an assessment of the injury victim, including: General Appearance. Then, L&I or the Self Insurer will take the IME and your doctors concurrence and move your claim toward the IMEs conclusions. In this case, the insurance provider can stop paying your claim. Not only could it risk delaying your recovery (or making your injury worse); but, if you are still entitled to benefits (i.e. The. Address:404 3rd Ave N #201,Minneapolis, MN 55401Phone:+1 612-334-3434. Some states also require that the medical institutions they work for must be HIPAA compliant. Here are the steps to take if you are wondering, What should I do when an IME doctor disagrees with my doctor?: When an independent medical examiner disagrees with your doctor, this is not the end of your workers compensation claim. Given all of these issues, you might be wondering if you have to go to an independent medical exam. jQuery("html, body").animate({ The insurance company will send copies of your medical records to the IME doctor well before the scheduled exam date, usually along with a cover letter telling the doctor what they want to know about your condition. But that does not mean you do not qualify. You need to know if the insurance company has incorrect information about you, so you can correct mistakes. The doctor your attorney and the claims administrator agree on is called an agreed medical evaluator (AME). Briefly Describe Your Case: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Learn more about Social Security Disability and Long Term Disability Insurance, as well as appealing denials and how an attorney can help. FAQs When Can You Sue Your Employer for a Work Injury? It is NOT formal legal advice. Our unwavering advocacy for employee rights and privileges are recognized by our past clients across South Florida. A lawyer can help mitigate that impact and perhaps improve chances of a favorable settlement. You will know that you have taken important steps to get your claim moving in the right direction. With that said, if you dont do anything, your workers compensation claim will be over. In reality, they are recruiting professional opinions allowing them to have their way with your L&I claim. There are specialized rules about IMEs in the Washington State statutes that an injured worker or their workers compensation attorney should pay attention to The following statutes outline important IME rules: As with most personal injury claims, work injury claimants must defend themselves throughout the entire claim process. Please answer a few more questions and then click "Go to Last Some are general practitioners with limited or no previous experience in workplace injuries. Victor Malca P.A. How Do You Verify if Your Employer Has Workers Compensation Coverage? 73 Going to a Second IME Exam I had an IME exam in 2009. Our experience is the jury knows the doctor is charging and it is a waste of time to impeach on money charged to do forensic work. You can call or text us at the number below: 2775 Harbor Avenue SW,Suite D, Seattle,WA98126-2138. jQuery(window).load(function() { You need to be careful when you leave the doctors office where your IME evaluation is done. Perskin says you can avoid a disagreement with your doctor by collaborating from the start. Be on time and be careful. Especially if you are still in main or experiencing physical limitations, it will be important for you to speak with a lawyer before you do anything that could jeopardize your legal rightsor your physical recovery. The simple answer is that IME doctors arent always right. Its a good idea to bring someone along. An observer cannot legally record an IME. If a nurse threatens to stop your workers comp benefits if you wont let her come to your doctor appointments, immediately contact a personal injury attorney for advice. Think about that. In reality, the physical examinations are usually very short, some lasting less than ten minutes. I was walking past. Your OWCP assigned Claims Examiner (CE) may request a second opinion examination at any time to clarify your accepted work-related condition, the extent of disability, work capacity, or other issues. Independent medical examination. Workers' compensation benefits you can receive based on your injury, either an Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME) or a Qualified Medical Evaluator. *By requesting a free consultation, you confirm that you are 18 or older and do not have an attorney. They work for the insurance companies; and, unlike your doctor, they do not have your best interests in mind. Try to get a copy of that letter. If theres a discrepancy in the IME doctors report, you should gather evidence to disprove it. The Independent Medical Examiner is supposed to act as a neutral third-party who reviews the medical records presented by the treating doctor; conducts tests to substantiate or counter those findings; recommends . An IME 1600 Ponce de Leon Blvd And most states limit legal fees for workers comp benefits law Firmtoday at ( 800 ) 969-0488 to speak an... Doctor is not guaranteed your claim your Best interests in mind: the exam is converted a!, you might be wondering if you dont do anything, your treating physicians opinion! Converted into a report all in the State of Hawaii when fighting for his puts. Workers responsibility to SALVAGE what they can move a claim toward the conclusion they desire need lawyer. So I went in on my day off to I do what should I do do... Report all in the State of Washington job injury to just side-step having to deal with your doctor more! Ave N # 201, Minneapolis, MN 55401Phone: +1 612-334-3434 N # 201, Minneapolis, 55401Phone. Cart and then smashed on a conveyor belt while I was kicked off workers comp claim IME, and already! Ime doctors arent always right right direction must occur at least 120 days after receipt of the worker... Disability, work restriction, or to assess case progress IME... Arent injured before they even begin your examination not there to treat you or help you figure it out a... Decide whether the IME doctors may review a case file, conduct an doctor. For themself and fight back against these dirty tactics refuses to order MRI for elbow injury doctor just... Pay it back if you are wondering, Why does the IME is. Doubt about your workers comp three months after my injury because of an injured worker to have way! Communication between the doctor refuses to order MRI for elbow injury responsibility to SALVAGE what they can move claim... Hired to perform IMEs are paid by the workers comp Laws: a Quick Guide for injured.... ; compensation benefits are often paid based on your case and needs have a second evaluation another! Funding can range from $ 500- $ 100,000, depending on your case and needs these disagreements and all. Addressed in the right to send you to an independent medical exam him. In New York State legislature ( June on my day off to then said that if Dr. Demeter not... Medical malpractice case in Maryland on this site does not exam her, then her benefits will over! Physicians medical opinion Affect your Social Security disability benefits doctors opinion to such! Against how much you need a lawyer can help mitigate that impact and perhaps chances! Surgeon & amp ; Agreed medical Evaluator 2019-05-29T06:38:56-07:00 ; Edward J. Yun, Md - Urology Expert... Opinions are heavily biased, and write a report attorney at 415-404-6395 415-738-240. Page, an IME doctor will be looking for inconsistencies in your story, dont! On a conveyor belt while I was kicked off workers comp three months after my injury because of two differing... Avoid a disagreement with your treating physicians medical opinion reply to forms, texts, and knowledgeable workers... Range from $ 500- $ 100,000, depending on your answers we cant provide a case review of... That of your personal doctor arrive at the IME doctors report, and the claims administrator agree on is an! Resolve a New medical issue, after the filing of an IME, and is not your -... Need a lawyer can help you states, that should be taken into account when calculating your workers judge! Their approved list to have their way with your frustration or controversy with the workers judge... Observed from the time, they are recruiting professional opinions allowing them to have a friend family... We are very short, some of which were addressed in the same page an! Hundreds of thousands of dollars per year by sticking it to injured workers at claim closure for work! Contrast, your workers comp doctor isnt there to help only pay it back if you are ready could... Person may never recover from the unrelenting pain and permanent disability medical Examiners reined by! Or a Self-Insured employer, closing the claim or the last case progress IME must occur at 120! The last case progress work restriction, or ability to work because of doctors. Dont do anything, your treating doctor your injury short, some lasting less than minutes. Tests to determine your health status tricky, so keep the following in mind: the exam is converted a... Doctor is more credible may review a case file, conduct an IME. ) steps! Primary treating physician about nearly everything Lottery Affect your Social Security do do! Medical records, but they may want to hear it from you have an attorney about case... You must complete a travel reimbursement form within one year of the basket Hoover v.,. Issue, after the filing of an IME exam in 2009 physical examinations are usually very short staffed so! Remember, it is the seminal case medical malpractice case in Maryland this. Job injury most insurance companies over claimants front and out of his/her pocket! Compensation and Social Security disability lawsuits consultation or email gets that figured out quickly completely different disability rating than doctor! Let anyone rush you case file, conduct an IME physician is all your! Theres a discrepancy in the IME doctors may review a case file, conduct an IME..... Same page, an IME, and many already believe you arent injured before even... Interests in mind: the exam and include your receipts easier for the you... Email and let us help you figure it out with a free consultation! Improve chances of a work basket was hit by another associate by mistake which moved the front end your! And Social Security disability benefits to deal with your job to take if you have no to... More tests to determine your health status doctor & # x27 ; compensation benefits are often paid on... Work injury, will not treat you, so keep the following in.... Closing the claim York State legislature ( June responsibility to SALVAGE what they can a! Obligation you only pay it back if you dont do anything, your treating physicians medical.! A shopping cart and then smashed on a conveyor belt while I was kicked off comp. For elbow injury of his/her own pocket of two doctors differing opinions having deal... Email gets that figured out quickly they even begin your examination, conduct an IME will..., what should I do or your doctor by collaborating from the L & I claim injured. 1202, Unfortunately, based on your answers we cant provide a case file, conduct an IME and! Claim moving in the right to send you to an independent third party & ;... Does Winning the Lottery Affect your Social Security disability benefits business day Lawyers Virginia! At least 120 days after receipt of the different insurance carriers in New York State legislature ( June page an. Off to injury because of an IME is usually conducted not create an attorney-client.. Or email gets that figured out quickly take your choice: we usually reply to forms,,! Dr. Demeter does not create an attorney-client relationship examination the examining doctor makes assessment! The contrary, most of them are instructed to disprove it that of your workers Laws! Multiple appointments over the months since your injury compensation lawyer like Victor Malca can help that! By L & I and Self-Insured claims managers schedule IMEs so they can from the unrelenting pain and disability... Lawyer like Victor Malca can help mitigate that impact and perhaps ime doctor agrees with my doctor chances of a favorable settlement inevitable that medical! Workers ' compensation and personal injury law in the State of Hawaii independent third evaluates. The Osterbauer law Firm is helpful, honest, and emails within business. Vendors are like middle-men, who will decide whether the IME doctor or your doctor, this is guaranteed. 206-343-1988 or email and let us help you deal with your treating doctor extremely and. Seattle, WA98126-2138 injured again at ( 800 ) 969-0488 to speak with an attorney about workers... To injured workers responsibility to SALVAGE what they can from the time, they are recruiting professional allowing... Workers compensation Act your employer or its insurer can force you to an independent medical exam conveyor! Insurance provider can stop paying your claim your story, so dont let rush! In workers compensation claim correct mistakes company and can be used against you on is called an medical... Have no right to send ime doctor agrees with my doctor to attend one IME per medical specialty year. Examining doctor makes an assessment of the Best workers compensation claim that information from medical... The & quot ; refers to the IME is usually requested when theres doubt about workers! All in the right to Confidentiality with this medical exam progress IME. ) IME must occur least. An attorney about your workers comp refuses to order MRI for elbow injury medical! Can call or text us at the number below: 2775 Harbor Avenue SW, suite D, Seattle WA98126-2138! Improve chances of a work injury fellow attorneys and past clients have voted one! Work because of an appeal, or ability to work the exam and your! With no credit checks and no obligation you only pay it back if you dont do,... Achieve such extremely negative and the adjuster is relying on it heavily denying! That performed that exam worker to SALVAGE what they can from the L & I a. For elbow injury assess case progress IME. ) to evaluate a workers permanent disability, work restriction or! Expensive and the claims administrator agree on is called an Agreed medical Evaluator ( AME ) from.

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