If you were hurt while working in Minnesota, you can pursue workers’ compensation for your recovery through your employer’s insurance. A common part of that process involves attending an Independent Medical Examination (IME), which can feel intimidating.
Despite the name, this assessment is rarely neutral as the insurer arranges it and pays for the doctor who will perform the exam. Knowing the purpose of the IME can help you feel more prepared to safeguard your benefits.
The real purpose of the IME
When the insurance company schedules an IME, your attendance is mandatory to continue receiving your benefits. The doctor for your exam is not there to treat you or prescribe medication, and no doctor-patient confidentiality exists. Their primary objective is to answer specific questions for the insurer, often aiming to reduce or completely cut off your wage-loss and medical support payments.
What the doctor looks for
The doctor will review your medical history, interview you about the workplace accident and perform a brief physical assessment. They are specifically evaluating the following:
- Causation
- Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
- Work restrictions
- Treatment necessity
If the IME report is unfavorable, your employer’s insurance provider may issue a Notice of Intention to Discontinue Benefits (NOID). You only have 12 days to dispute the NOID to continue receiving aid.
Best practices for your appointment
During your IME, it is very important to be honest and consistent when describing your condition. Explain your symptoms clearly and keep your account in line with what appears in your medical records. If your description changes from one appointment to another, it may raise questions about your credibility.
Moreover, arriving earlier than your scheduled exam date can ensure you have time to check in and settle down. After the IME, write down how long the doctor spent with you, what questions they asked and what tests or movements they had you do. This can help if you later need to compare the exam to the doctor’s report.
Facing an IME with confidence
When your livelihood and health are on the line, an IME can feel like a hurdle to your recovery. By being proactive and staying informed, you can better position yourself to protect your hard-earned benefits. Seeking legal guidance can help you ensure you are properly prepared before your appointment.
