Independent Medical Exams play a major role in many Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claims. Many injured workers feel anxious about these exams. Many workers also do not know that IMEs are not truly independent.
Insurance companies use IMEs to challenge injury claims. They also use IMEs to justify cutting off wage loss checks or medical treatment. Our law firm sees these problems every day. We want to inform you about how IMEs work and how to avoid common mistakes.
What An IME Is And Why It Matters
An IME is a medical exam requested by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. The exam is conducted by a doctor who does not treat you. The IME doctor is hired and paid by the insurance company. The stated goal is to obtain your opinion regarding your work injury, medical treatment, and ability to return to work. The real goal is often to limit benefits or stop them entirely.
Insurance companies in Pennsylvania can schedule IMEs two times per year in most cases. The law gives them this right. You must attend the exam or risk a suspension of benefits. This makes IMEs a powerful tool for the insurer. When the IME report favors the insurer, it can serve as evidence to reduce or terminate benefits.
This is why you must take every IME seriously. You must protect yourself before, during, and after the exam.
How Insurance Companies Use IMEs Against Injured Workers
We see predictable patterns in IME cases. The insurance company often selects a doctor who regularly performs IMEs. These doctors may generate reports that downplay the severity of injuries. They may report improvement that does not match reality. Some IME doctors argue that the injured worker can return to work even when medical records indicate ongoing disability.
These IME reports are then used in petitions to deny wage loss benefits or to prevent future medical treatment. They are also used to address complaints of pain. Many workers are surprised when a brief exam leads to major changes in their case. This is why preparation matters.
If you ask a workers comp attorney in Pennsylvania to review IME problems, the attorney will usually find the same issues. IME doctors often spend more time reviewing insurer documents than examining the worker. Many exams last less than fifteen minutes. Many injured workers never talk about the full scope of their pain because the exam feels rushed.
How To Prepare For An IME The Right Way
Preparation protects you. You can take simple steps that can make a major difference.
Know Your Injury
Read your medical records before the exam. Know your diagnosis. Know the date of injury. Know which body parts are involved. This helps you give clear answers during the exam.
Describe Your Pain Honestly
Use simple pain descriptions. Explain what movements cause pain. Explain how long the pain lasts. List any numbness or weakness. Avoid guessing. Avoid exaggeration. Clear details help you stay credible.
Know Your Work Restrictions
If your treating doctor gave you restrictions, memorize them. Many IME doctors will ask what you can lift, carry, bend, or move. Give consistent answers that match your medical records.
Bring A Friend Or Family Member
You can bring someone to the IME. This person can observe the length of the exam and the behavior of the doctor. This can help if there is a dispute later.
Arrive On Time
The insurer may try to use lateness to claim non cooperation. Arrive early. Bring identification. Bring any braces, supports, or devices you use.
What To Expect During The Exam
The IME exam is usually brief. The doctor will ask basic questions about your history. The doctor will check your range of motion. The doctor may lightly press on injured areas. The doctor may perform tests to look for nerve issues. The doctor may ask about daily activities such as driving, walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects.
The IME doctor may also watch your movements before and after the exam. Many IME doctors observe workers in the parking lot or waiting room. This becomes part of the report. Always move as you normally would. Never push through pain to appear polite. Never try to prove strength. Natural movement protects your claim.
Common IME Traps That Hurt Claims
We see the same avoidable mistakes in many Pennsylvania workers’ compensation cases. You can avoid them once you’re aware of them.
Minimizing Pain
Many injured workers say they feel fine because they do not want to complain about their injuries. This can cause major damage. The IME report will indicate minimal pain. The insurer may argue that you can return to work.
Overstating Pain
Exaggeration leads to credibility problems. IME doctors are trained to look for this. Always stay honest and factual.
Guessing About Medical Details
Never guess about your diagnosis. Never guess about previous injuries. If you do not know the answer, say so.
Talking About Non-Work Issues
Stay focused on the work injury. Do not discuss unrelated pain. Do not describe hobbies or home projects that could be twisted against you.
What Happens After The IME
The IME doctor sends a written report to the insurance company. The insurer may use this report to file a petition to modify or stop benefits. You may receive a Notice of Ability to Return to Work.
This form indicates that the insurer believes you can return to some form of work. This form usually follows an IME. Contact a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as you receive this form. Fast action protects your rights.
If the IME report is favorable to you, the insurer may continue benefits. This is less common but it can happen. Always ask for a copy of the IME report. Always review it with a work injury lawyer in Pennsylvania.
How Our Law Firm Protects Injured Workers During IMEs
We help workers prepare for IMEs. We explain the process in clear detail. We prepare clients for the questions the IME doctor will likely ask. We also review the IME report for errors, inconsistencies, or bias. We compare the findings with treating doctor records. This helps us challenge the insurer when the IME report is inaccurate or unsupported.
We also defend workers at hearings when the insurer uses IME reports to cut benefits. We bring medical witnesses when needed. We cross-examine IME doctors about their methods. We challenge their assumptions and testing. Our goal is to maintain benefits and counter unfair tactics.
If you feel worried about an upcoming IME, we can help. If you have already attended an IME and now face a petition, reach out. Many cases can still be saved when the worker gets legal help fast.
When To Call A Lawyer
You should call a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer when you receive an IME notice. You should also call when you receive a Notice of Ability to Return to Work. You should call if benefits stop or if the insurer denies treatment after an IME. You should call if the IME report does not match the truth of your injury.
A workers’ comp attorney in Pennsylvania can guide you through every step. A lawyer can protect your wage loss checks. A lawyer can protect your medical treatment. A lawyer can help you avoid mistakes that the insurer will use against you.
Let Us Help with Your Case
IMEs shape the outcome of many Pennsylvania workers’ compensation cases. You can avoid major problems when you understand how IMEs work and how insurers use these exams. Preparation and legal guidance make the difference. If you want protection against unfair IME tactics, reach out to us. Our team fights for injured workers across Pennsylvania. We are ready to help you keep your benefits and move forward with confidence.
