1. I received a notice from the insurance company for an independent
medical examination (IME). Do I have to go?
Yes. The insurance company has the right to have you examined at
reasonable times by a doctor of their choice. You must attend the exam –
failure to attend an IME or if you obstruct an IME is grounds for the
insurance company to petition the court for an order suspending your
benefits. You are entitled to be reimbursed for your cost of
transportation to the exam and the insurance company must send you a
copy of the report prepared by the IME doctor.
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2. Why is the insurance company sending me to an IME?
Usually, the insurance company is looking for an opinion from
their own doctor as to whether you’re no longer disabled and whether you
need any further medical treatment. They may also want an opinion as to
whether treatment recommended by your doctor is necessary. For example,
they may want an IME before authorizing surgery.
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3. What will the insurance company do with the results of the IME?
A few different things can happen. If the IME report
says that you’re not disabled, the insurance company may file a
petition to discontinue your weekly benefits. If the report says that
you’re disabled but don’t need any further medical treatment, the
insurance company may file a petition for an order finding you to be
at maximum medical improvement to start the process of seeking a
thirty percent reduction in your weekly check. They may also use the
report to deny medical treatment.
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