Imagine sitting in a sterile exam room while a doctor hired by your employer’s insurance company evaluates whether your injury is as serious as your own doctor says it is. You are not here for treatment. You are here for judgment.
At Mooney Law, our experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers understand how intimidating an Independent Medical Examination (IME) can be. We also know the stakes are high. That is why we created this IME Playbook to help you walk into your exam prepared and confident, and to protect the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve under Pennsylvania law.
Key Takeaways
An Independent Medical Examination (IME) can significantly impact your Pennsylvania workers’ compensation case. It is not a routine check-up—it is a critical evaluation requested by the insurance company. Here is what you need to remember:
- IMEs are used by employers and insurers to challenge your claim, not to provide care.
- The IME physician is not your treating doctor and may be biased in favor of the insurance company.
- What you say, do, and bring to the IME can directly affect your benefits.
- Preparing with the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer in Pennsylvania can help you avoid mistakes and protect your rights.
- Documentation, consistency, and honest communication are essential throughout the entire IME process, from before to after the examination.
With the proper preparation and experienced legal support, you can approach your IME with confidence and maintain control over your workers’ compensation claim.
Why the IME Can Make or Break Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
An IME is not just a medical appointment. It is a critical point in your workers’ compensation case. Insurance companies use IMEs to challenge claims, reduce benefits, or terminate coverage entirely.
Many workers are surprised to learn that the IME doctor is not there to help them heal. That doctor has been chosen and paid by the employer’s insurer. Their report may be used to argue that your injury is not work-related or that you can return to work sooner than your treating doctor recommends.
We have seen countless Pennsylvania workers lose benefits after an unfavorable IME. That is why preparation, honesty, and legal guidance are essential. As a trusted workers’ compensation lawyer in Pennsylvania, we ensure that our clients understand exactly what to expect and how to respond.
What You Should Bring to the IME
Bringing the proper documentation to your IME can significantly strengthen your credibility and your claim. Here is what we advise you to bring:
- Copies of your medical records, including diagnostic tests, physical therapy notes, and treatment summaries
- A written list of your medications, treatments, and side effects
- A pain or symptom journal that tracks your daily physical limitations, discomfort, and changes over time
- A list of your job duties before the injury and any tasks you can no longer perform
- Wage documentation or recent pay stubs
- Written statements from coworkers or supervisors who witnessed the accident or noticed how the injury affected you
- A pen and paper to take notes during the examination
- Any questions you want to ask the physician
Being prepared with these materials allows you to describe your condition accurately and avoids relying on memory under pressure. As a Pennsylvania work injury lawyer, we make sure our clients know how to present their story clearly and confidently.
How to Present Yourself During the IME
Insurance companies often scrutinize not just your answers but your behavior, demeanor, and appearance. You do not have to be perfect. You do not have to be pain-free. However, you must be consistent and truthful. Here are some tips we share with our clients:
- Dress in a way that allows access to the injured area but remains appropriate for a medical setting.
- Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to avoid stress from delays.
- Remain calm and polite, even if the examiner seems skeptical.
- Answer only what is asked. Do not volunteer extra information that could be misinterpreted.
- Avoid exaggerating symptoms. Be specific and factual. For example, say “I can walk one block before my leg goes numb” instead of “My leg is killing me all the time.”
- Do not perform activities during the exam that you say you cannot do in your claim.
As your workers’ comp attorney in Pennsylvania, we often rehearse these conversations with our clients before the IME. This makes a meaningful difference in how confidently and accurately you communicate your limitations.
What Happens During the Examination
The IME typically begins with a brief interview, followed by a physical examination. The doctor will ask about the history of your injury, your symptoms, and your current condition. They may also review your medical records. Be aware that they are observing you from the moment you arrive, including how you walk, sit, stand, and get on and off the exam table.
In some cases, the IME may be very brief. That does not mean it is insignificant. The report that follows will carry substantial weight with the insurance company and the Workers’ Compensation Judge if your case goes to a hearing.
As your Pennsylvania work injury lawyer, we request copies of the IME report as soon as it is available and review it for inconsistencies, errors, or signs of bias. We prepare rebuttals using medical evidence and expert opinions when necessary.
What Happens After the IME
The period after the IME is just as important as the exam itself. You should:
- Write down what happened during the IME while it is still fresh in your memory
- Follow up with your treating physician and continue with your care plan
- Contact us to discuss your experience and provide any notes you took
- Let us review the IME report and evaluate its impact on your case
If the IME report recommends ending your benefits or returning to work before you are ready, we will take immediate steps to protect your claim. That may include requesting a hearing, filing objections, or obtaining a second opinion from your own doctor.
We are here to guide you through every step of the process and ensure your rights are respected.
Why Mooney Law Is Your Strongest Advocate
At Mooney Law, we are more than just a law firm. We are neighbors, community members, and fierce advocates for injured workers throughout Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland. With over a decade of experience and having served more than 10,000 clients, we have recovered over $80 million in compensation for our clients.
Attorney Mark A. Buterbaugh, a recognized leader in Pennsylvania work injury cases, leads our workers’ compensation team. As a former insurance defense attorney, he understands how insurance companies operate and uses that insight to protect injured workers.
We believe legal representation should be accessible. That is why we offer free consultations, evening and weekend hours, and multiple office locations in Chambersburg, Hanover, Waynesboro, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and beyond.
Local Knowledge Matters in Workers’ Compensation Claims
Each county in Pennsylvania has its own unique approach to handling workers’ compensation cases. Some areas have physicians who conduct frequent IMEs for insurance companies. Others may have judges who tend to favor early return-to-work programs. Knowing the local landscape can influence how we prepare your case.
Because we have offices throughout Central Pennsylvania, we understand the unique challenges and advantages of each area. Whether your claim is in Franklin, York, Cumberland, or Dauphin County, we tailor our strategy to the facts of your case and the local system.
IME Preparation Checklist
Here is a quick checklist to help you prepare:
- Medical records: complete and updated
- Pain and symptom journal
- Medication and treatment list
- Wage and job duty documentation
- Witness statements, if any
- Questions for the physician
- Notepad and pen
Do not attend an IME without talking to a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer in Pennsylvania. We are here to protect you from tactics that aim to reduce or eliminate your benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About IMEs in Pennsylvania
What Is the Purpose of an IME in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
The purpose of an IME is to provide the employer’s insurance company with a medical opinion about your condition, treatment needs, and work capacity. It is not meant to offer treatment. The doctor’s opinion may be used to support a decision to modify, suspend, or terminate your benefits.
Can I Bring Someone with Me to the IME?
You are welcome to bring someone with you for support, but please note that they may not be permitted in the examination room. However, your companion can take notes while you are inside and help you recall what happened afterward. We often encourage clients to bring someone when possible.
Do I Have to Go to the IME?
Yes. If you refuse to attend the IME, the insurance company can petition the Workers’ Compensation Judge to suspend your benefits. However, you have the right to be informed in writing and given proper notice about the time, place, and physician conducting the examination.
What If the IME Doctor Disagrees with My Treating Physician?
This is a common situation. We review the IME report for accuracy and compare it with your treating doctor’s records. If needed, we will gather evidence to challenge the IME’s findings and protect your rights. As a Pennsylvania work injury lawyer, we understand how to effectively handle conflicting medical opinions.
Will the IME Doctor Share the Results with Me Immediately?
No. The IME doctor typically does not provide feedback during the appointment. Instead, they write a report and send it to the insurance company or employer. You should not rely on the doctor’s behavior or comments during the exam to gauge how the report will read.
What Should I Do If the IME Report Indicates I Can Return to Work?
You should not return to work without discussing it with your treating physician and your attorney. If you are pressured to return before you are medically ready, we can intervene and request a hearing to dispute that recommendation.
Is It Better to Have a Workers’ Comp Attorney Before the IME?
Yes. Having a workers’ comp attorney in Pennsylvania before your IME gives you a significant advantage. We prepare you for the exam, ensure your rights are protected, and challenge any biased findings that could hurt your case.
We Help Protect Your Rights
You have one chance to make a strong impression during an IME. It can feel like a test you did not ask to take. However, with proper preparation, knowledge, and experienced legal support, you can safeguard your workers’ compensation benefits and your future.
At Mooney Law, we believe in fighting for what is right. We know the system. We know the doctors. We know how to win. If you are facing an IME or have questions about your claim, contact us today for a free consultation. We do not get paid unless you win.
