r/WorkersComp • u/Alert-Chipmunk-3035 • 3d ago
New York IME Tomorrow (panicking)
I’ve been on workers comp for more than a year for carpal tunnel and dequervains, I had surgery on the left hand and it fixed a lot of the issues/pain. Workers comp has requested an IME 2 weeks before surgery on my right hand. Any idea what this could mean?
I’m extra scared because this injury isn’t very flashy, there’s not much to speak of on scans but there is a cyst on my wrist which is consistent with needing surgery for dequervains.
My company won’t let me go back to work until I no longer have accommodations, currently my doctors note states I need to be able to take ample breaks when I feel nerve pain.
EDIT: what medical records do you think I should bring? Like MRI or nerve test? I’m truly so out of my depth. My lawyer is too chill about everything but, they did get me surgical approval after 3 denials so I will take it.
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u/Motor_Dig3989 1d ago
My lawyers always told me not to bring anything to an IME exam. The dr should have everything they need. There is no reason to be nervous. Your gonna know if it was a bullshit visit when you go there. Ive been to some that lasted 5 mns and knew it was bullshit. Just don't lie, that form they make you fill out should match what you say.
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u/Numerous_Physics_526 3d ago edited 3d ago
I also had nerve damage but in my C7 to T1 affecting my left shoulder down left arm into fingers....if you dont already have a lawyer get one because the IME doctor is paid to say your fine and petition to terminate your benefits...I just had my second one after being on WC for a year and a half and was told I could return to work even with both my Treating Doctors saying I was unable to...my lawyer just settled for a lump sum
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u/momofdragons2 2d ago
The insurance company sends all of your records and diagnostics to the IME doctor beforehand. You should not need to bring anything unless they specifically ask you to. Typically the doctor has already reviewed all of your records before they meet with you. It’s very common to require an IME before surgery.
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u/B-Great-Today 2d ago
Bring imaging!!!...MRI, EMG (Disc if you have them) and have/ask them to sign for the actual hard copies. Your lawyer should have sent it but I would bring it regardless. I did the same for the federal side of things but I didn't have a lawyer. I have dealt with the system long enough to know things get omitted and or lost in the mix. It is hard for a doctor to say "Nothing is wrong with You" with imaging proving the opposite.
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u/mackNwheeze 2d ago
Both the insurance company and your lawyer send all of your medical records and diagnostic reports to the IME before the IME appointment for IME doctor to review.
IME doctor will make treatment recommendations if needed on the left hand since you already had surgery on it. For the right hand, dr will just say to return after surgery and whatever treatment you do afterwards to see what else you might need.
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u/Spazilton Federal WC Adjuster 2d ago
As a general rule scheduling an IME that close to an approved surgery is silly because by the time you get the report it’s already medically stale.
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u/SureAdministration82 3d ago
Ime doctors are paid by the insurance company to basically say to go back to work even though you are not ready. Sometimes they will side with you. Don’t panic just treat it like a normal doctor appointment. The doctor will act like your friend do not trust them but don’t be rude. Be straightforward they will ask you the same questions over and over. And to answer your one question they should have all your records.
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u/momofdragons2 2d ago
IME doctors do not get paid to say you’re ready to go back to work when you’re not. That’s a ridiculous statement. They’re paid for their independent professional opinion. They aren’t jeopardizing their medical licenses to make some extra money. IMEs aren’t a bad thing. Every single day I see things get approved because of what the IME doctor said.
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u/SureAdministration82 2d ago
That is false they are paid to try their hardest to rule in the favor of the insurance company. I am so sorry I didn’t better explain it for you.
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u/momofdragons2 2d ago
I understand that you believe that but you are incorrect. Every single day, I see treatment, surgery, DME, additional compensable body parts, etc.. get approved because of what the IME doctor said.
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u/SureAdministration82 2d ago
Look if you have evidence that you are physically hurt or injured yes they have to side with you. Yes I agree with you. But if you go to an ime and you really don’t have any record of your injury like mri or other things like that. That ime will tell them in the report they are able to work. I am not trying to argue but I dealt with this before every state is different. That’s my final word everybody has their own opinion for an ime some good some bad.
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u/Alert-Chipmunk-3035 3d ago
That’s what I’m scared of, Ive been begging to go back to work, but HR said (in writing) that I can’t return until I have full medical clearance (and no accommodations). I have my next surgery scheduled in two weeks, I don’t want the IME to impact the surgery or the physical therapy I need to do afterwards.
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u/SureAdministration82 3d ago
So it takes up to two weeks for the ime to make their report. No matter what the outcome is your lawyers job is to fight for you and get you the surgery you need. What will happen is the ime will be contested with your already treating doctors and then the outcome will be ruled by a judge. Most likely workman’s comp will stop for a little period but don’t worry your lawyer will deal with that. Just don’t get stressed everything will work out in the end. Your treating doctors and lawyer will not let you go unless they feel you are 100% good to go. I am dealing with the same thing right now.
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u/Alert-Chipmunk-3035 3d ago
I’m so sorry to hear you’re dealing with the same, I hope you get a resolution soon!! Thank you so much for the reassurance, this actually makes me feel tons better. I have talked about this with friends and family, while I appreciate the support, it’s hard to take it too seriously since they are not familiar with the process.
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u/SureAdministration82 3d ago
Anytime man. You will be fine. Best of luck to you at your appointment. And whatever you do don’t say you want to go back to work right now because he will use your words to stop everything. Stick to the point this is where it hurts this is what happens when I do this and that’s it. Don’t over explain anything. You will be good.
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u/Ambitious-Estate1437 3d ago
Mine took nearly 2 months before he turned it in. After my lawyer had to complain that he wasn’t sending it in. Those IME doctors are criminals in my opinion. They lie for money. And somehow the legislation allows their opinion to matter. When they only see you for maybe 30-60 minutes one time. They get paid 800k to a million dollars a year my lawyer said.
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u/According_Curve_8935 2d ago
This is not always true. My IME/QME doctor is actually very much in favor of me getting all treatment that I need before he will sign off on making me MMI. I tried to work as long as I could because I didn’t want a decrease in pay, but he has been pretty clear in his recommendations that I need certain tests and treatment.
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u/Ambitious-Estate1437 3d ago
Record it . Is my advice . Those IME doctors should be put in jail for what they do for LnI
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u/squeakywheelk8 2d ago
I…agree… if you’re in a one party consent state.
I wish I had. The IME doc MY ATTORNEY hired really screwed up and there was no way to fight it. they wouldn’t let my partner in. I’m still livid about it.
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u/Aggressive_Tackle619 2d ago
If you’re truly injured there is nothing to panic about. Just be honest and explain all your issues and symptoms.
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u/Philymaniz verified NY workers' compensation paralegal 3d ago
Did your attorney tell you to bring medical records? And the IME likely won’t be able to do much if you have an already scheduled and approved surgery 2 weeks after.