You’ve been injured at work, and your doctor said you can’t return to your job yet. But your employer’s insurance company wants you to see their doctor for an independent medical exam (IME) to confirm the diagnosis.
What’s the deal with these IMEs anyway? Can they force you to go back to work? What can you do if their doctor disagrees with your doctor? Let’s take a look at what you can expect of an IME and why you should talk with a Charleston, SC workers comp attorney before going.
What Is an Independent Medical Exam in SC Workers Comp?
If you’ve filed a workers’ compensation claim in South Carolina, the insurance company may require you to undergo an independent medical exam. An IME is an evaluation by a doctor who is not involved in your medical treatment. The examiner will review your medical records and conduct their exam to determine the cause of your injury, your current medical status, and whether your claim is reasonable.
Insurance companies often order IMEs to get an unbiased second opinion. They want to confirm the diagnosis and opinions of your treating physicians before approving medical care or wage replacement benefits. The IME report can support or refute your claim and be used as evidence in a workers comp hearing. As the claimant, you are required to attend the IME or risk having your benefits denied.
Your Rights During an IME
Although the insurance company arranges and pays for the IME, you have certain rights as the examinee:
- You can request a copy of the IME report. The report and opinions belong to the insurance company, but you are entitled to see the contents.
- You do not have to answer questions you feel are irrelevant or too personal. Politely refuse to answer instead of lying or guessing.
- You can have an advocate or attorney present during the exam. They cannot interfere but can take notes and provide moral support.
- You can get a second opinion from your doctor if you disagree with the IME findings. Your treating physicians can then contest the IME opinions on your behalf.
What to Expect
During the IME, you will meet with a physician who is not your treating doctor. The examiner is independent and unbiased, selected by the insurance company or employer to provide an objective evaluation of your condition and disability status. The physician will review your medical records and examine you but is not there to provide treatment.
The physician will evaluate your range of motion, mobility, and physical abilities. They will check your vital signs, assess your pain levels, and conduct stress tests to determine your physical capacities. The doctor will ask you questions about your injury, medical history, treatments, and symptoms. Be open and truthful in your responses. Explain how your condition impacts your ability to work and your activities of daily living.
How IME Results Are Used
The independent medical examiner will try to determine if your current treatment plan is appropriate and effective for your work-related injury or condition. They may recommend alternative or additional treatment options to help improve your condition. Their recommendations will be considered by your workers’ comp insurance provider when managing your claim.
Based on their evaluation, the IME doctor may determine that you have temporary or permanent restrictions or limitations for certain work activities. If you have a permanent impairment due to your work injury, the IME doctor will determine a disability rating by evaluating your condition based on medical guidelines.
Reach Out to a Charleston Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Going through the South Carolina workers’ compensation system alone can be complicated and frustrating. If you’ve been ordered to undergo an independent medical exam, an experienced attorney can offer you guidance and support throughout the process, to make sure you are treated fairly and not forced to return to work if you’re not ready.
Call us today at 843-310-5997 to schedule your free consultation. One of our Charleston workers’ compensation lawyers will be your guide through the legal system and fight for the benefits and compensation you need.