The results of an IME can affect whether you are eligible for benefits, including permanent partial disability (PPD) awards. Here, the Washington workers’ comp attorneys at Lehmbecker Law provide a comprehensive overview of IMEs, including what to expect, how they are conducted, and how they might affect your claim.
An IME is a medical evaluation conducted by an impartial examiner. Physicians who conduct IMEs must qualify through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
Your examiner will not be affiliated with your treating doctor, your employer, or any workers’ comp insurer. Their goal is to provide an objective assessment of your injuries and their impact on your ability to work in the context of a workers’ compensation claim.
IMEs are often used to determine whether an employee's injuries are work-related and to assess the extent of their disability.
Either L&I or a self-insured employer can request an IME to clarify and establish findings about an injured worker’s medical condition. Some common reasons for requesting this exam include:
You can file a dispute at any time during the process. You also have the right to record audio or video of the independent medical exam, but you must notify the provider before you do this. Additionally, you may be able to challenge the report in court if you believe it is unfair or inaccurate.
A doctor must take a test and apply through L&I to become an IME provider. L&I also conducts ongoing training and continuing education for these providers.
L&I (or the injured worker’s employer, if self-insured) can order an IME at certain stages in the workers’ compensation process. The organization must provide the worker with sufficient notice before scheduling the exam.
L&I provides a list of qualified examiners on its website. To schedule an independent medical examination as an employer, you should reach out to your workers’ compensation insurance partner. If you have concerns or preferences, discuss them with your insurance carrier or L&I.
If you are an injured worker in Washington, you will probably not schedule your own IME. However, you have the right to dispute an IME scheduled by someone else. Some reasons for filing a dispute include:
Missing an IME appointment can set back your workers’ compensation case or even lead to a denial. Before the exam, you should confirm the date, time, and location, along with any specific instructions from the provider.
The examiner might have questions for you, so a little preparation can help the IME go more smoothly. Consider taking these steps:
The more information the examiner has, the more accurately they can assess your injury and determine its impact on your life.
The IME report is crucial to your workers’ compensation case. It will provide a detailed assessment of your medical condition, including:
You can expect a comprehensive report that provides detailed information about your condition and your ability to function.
After receiving the results of your IME, you should:
If you and your attorney agree with the findings in the report, it may be time to resolve your claim.
The following factors could affect the value of your L&I workers’ compensation claim:
Many IMEs are conducted to determine whether the worker has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). This means that the worker's condition has stabilized and that they are unlikely to improve further with additional medical treatment. Once an injured employee reaches MMI, they may be eligible for a PPD award.
It’s important to understand what will happen before, during, and after an independent medical examination — this exam could be a critical turning point in your workers’ compensation claim.
When you need personalized legal guidance, the attorneys at Lehmbecker Law can help. Contact us for a free consultation.
Our workers' comp attorney is ready to provide the guidance and support you need. We'll explain your rights, advocate for your best interests, and handle the legal tasks so you can concentrate on what’s important.