• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Hurt on the Job? Call Bob in AZ

Hurt on the Job? Call Bob in AZ

"Justice for the injured worker"

602-234-3700
Call Today For A Free Initial Consultation
  • About Us
    • Attorneys
    • Meet the staff
    • Community
  • Workers’ Compensation
    • Benefits for injured workers
    • Am I eligible to apply?
    • My claim was denied.
    • Is PTSD covered?
    • Workers’ compensation guide
  • Work injuries
    • Back injury at work
    • Car accidents
    • Truck accidents
    • Traumatic brain injury
    • Shoulder injury
    • Slip and fall
    • View all
  • We Represent
    • Firefighters
    • Police
    • Paramedics
    • Professional Athletes
    • View all
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Free Workers’ Comp E-book
    • Reviews
    • Videos
    • Scholarships
  • FAQ
  • Contact

What is an Independent Medical Examination?

Hurt on the Job? Call Bob, Arizona Work Injury Lawyer
phone icon (602) 234-3700 Schedule an Appointment
Phoenix Job Injury Attorney (Home) > Blog > Workers' Comp 101 > What is an Independent Medical Examination?

June 17, 2019

When you’re hurt on the job in Arizona, it’s not uncommon for your employer’s insurance company to require you to be seen by a different doctor than your treating physician for an independent medical examination (IME).

Even though doctors are supposed to be impartial and patient-focused, there are instances where the medical examiner is biased and will skew their report in favor of the insurance company. For this reason, it’s important to take time to understand the purpose of the independent medical examination and tips that will help make the IME go smoothly.

Purpose of an Independent Medical Examination

It’s in the best interest of your employer’s insurance company for you to be seen by an independent doctor. The insurance company does this for several reasons, including the following:

  • To verify that the treatment your doctor gives you is appropriate and necessary
  • To verify that the facts you’ve provided relating to your accident are consistent with the injuries you are experiencing
  • To provide a report assessing any permanent work restrictions, permanent disability or the need for the supportive medical care

Tips for Independent Medical Examination

Going to see a new and unknown doctor can be intimidating, especially when you know that their report could prevent or minimize the benefits you ultimately receive. However, if the insurance company requests an IME, you are required by Arizona law to attend.

The following tips will help you prepare and know what to expect at the examination:

  • Attend the examination. You will be ordered to attend the examination, even if you don’t want to go. Make arrangements to attend and understand that it is NOT optional.
  • Be on time. If you miss the examination or if you’re late, you could be sanctioned and charged a fee to pay for the doctor’s time. It could also result in your benefits being suspended. It costs approximately $700-1,500 for the examination and report from the doctor.
  • Don’t cancel at the last minute. You will be provided approximately 15 days notice. If you have a conflict in your schedule, inform your attorney immediately.
  • Complete all forms accurately. You will be required to fill out forms regarding your work accident and injuries. It’s important to be accurate and honest in completing the forms. Don’t exaggerate your pain because it’s likely that it will be used against you later. At the Law Offices of Robert Wisniewski, we will seek to get the forms prior to your IME to help you complete them.
  • Be honest with the doctor. Describe your pain in as much detail as possible and as accurately as possible. If you experienced pain prior to your accident, don’t be reluctant to state that if the doctor asks. It could be that you experienced pain before but tried to work through it because you needed to support your family. If that’s the case, explain so to the doctor.
  • Explain gaps in treatment. If you didn’t receive treatment or care for a temporary period of time, be sure to explain the reason why. For example, it could be because your claim was denied or you could not afford it. Those are good reasons for not receiving care and should be explained.
  • Be respectful and courteous. Answer the doctor’s questions directly, briefly and honestly, but be respectful while doing so.
  • Record any time spent with doctor. Keep track of the time you spend with the doctor. Often, the doctor will spend limited time with you and most of the examination will be conducted by a physician’s assistant. Keep track of the time that you spend with both the physician’s assistant and the time spent with the doctor.
  • Don’t volunteer information. Answer questions directly when the doctor asks, but be as brief as possible. There’s no need to provide more information than requested, as this might be reported to the insurer and used to deny or reduce your benefits.
  • Make an appointment with your doctor. If possible, make an appointment to be seen by your regular doctor the same day as your independent medical examination. This will help resolve any discrepancies that may arise as a result of the independent doctor’s report.
  • Don’t discuss conversations between you and your attorney. The discussions with your attorney are confidential and shouldn’t be discussed with the doctor during your independent medical examination. The doctor should only speak with you regarding the medical condition that’s at issue in the workers’ compensation claim.
  • Don’t ask for a diagnosis or recommendations. At the end of the independent medical examination, don’t ask the doctor for his diagnostic or recommendations. You will be provided a copy of the report within 1-2 weeks and see it at that time.

Any disputes arising during the IME must be resolved through the hearing process, and it’s beneficial to have an experienced and knowledgeable attorney to represent you during this complex process. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski have the necessary experience.

Contact us today to schedule your free workers’ compensation consultation.

Related resources

  • Independent Medical Exams: What They Are, What to Expect & How to Prepare
    Independent Medical Exams: What They Are, What to Expect &…
  • Immigrant Workers and Their Rights, Documented or Not (Part 1)
    Immigrant Workers and Their Rights, Documented or Not (Part…
  • Signs of a Bad Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
    Signs of a Bad Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
5-star review image
So grateful for your law firm
Workers Compensation  |  Phoenix
Workers' comp
2020-03-27
"I am so grateful for your law firm taking on my case. Because of my work injury, I ..."
A. A., Verified Customer
5-star review image
Respect and Kindness
Workers Compensation  |  Phoenix
Respect and Kindness
2019-07-17
"I am a client of Javier’s and I cannot stress how nice it is to have the ..."
J. T., Verified Customer
5-star review image
Unmatched Dedication
Workers Compensation  |  Phoenix
Unmatched Dedication
2019-07-16
"Mr. Wisniewski is the best lawyer that I have ever had the pleasure of working with and knowing. ..."
N.A., Verified Customer

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • Community
  • Firm News
  • Work Injuries & Illnesses
  • Workers' Comp 101
  • Workers' Comp FAQs
  • Workplace Safety Tips

Recent Posts

  • The Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski Scholarship Winner: Insurance Surveillance of Injured Workers
  • Immigrant Workers and Their Rights, Documented or Not (Part 2)
  • Immigrant Workers and Their Rights, Documented or Not (Part 1)
  • Javier Grajeda Named a Southwest Super Lawyer Workers’ Compensation Rising Star

Footer

DISCUSS YOUR CASE WITH AN EXPERIENCED WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAWYER TODAY

CALL: (602) 234-3700
TOLL FREE IN AZ: (800) 224-3220
FAX: (602) 230-7579

Law office locations

Phoenix

519 E Thomas Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Map and directions

Yuma

1455 W 16th St A2
Yuma, AZ 85364
Map and directions

    Get started with a free consultation

    Bilingual video consultations are available for your safety.

    Disclaimer: If you are not a current client of Law Offices of Robert E Wisniewski, PC, sending him or this site an email will not create an attorney/client relationship and the information you send may not be maintained as confidential. Please contact Mr. Wisniewski's office by telephone to arrange a consultation or complete a Consultation Intake Form. Viewing this website information also does not create an attorney/client relationship. This website is governed by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.

    I have read the disclaimer.*
    Privacy Policy

    © 2023 Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski. All rights reserved. Disclaimer | Site Map | Law Firm Online Marketing by SEO Advantage, Inc.

    The Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski: Arizona Enjuris Partner Attorney

    • Facebook icon
    • Twitter icon
    • LinkedIn icon
    • Youtube icon