What should you not say in an IME?
3 Things Not to Tell the Doctor During Your IME
- Don’t Exaggerate Your Symptoms. Yes, you want to make sure your symptoms don’t go unnoticed by your doctor.
- Don’t Speak Negatively About Your Employer. Do not be rude or difficult, and don’t speak negatively about your employer.
- Don’t Lie.
How do I pass an independent medical exam?
Below we have outlined a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for an independent medical examination (IME).
- Be Appropriately Cleaned, Groomed & Dressed.
- Arrive at Least 30 Minutes Early.
- Be Familiar with Your Medical History.
- Be 100% Honest – Don’t Exaggerate Your Injuries.
Do IME doctors lie?
It is very common that IME doctors lie. Your doctors notes say what they say and you can read them just as easily as anyone else. Go over your medical records and the IME report with your lawyer, and he/she can use that for cross-examination of the doctor at the hearing.
How long does a IME take?
IMEs usually take around 30 minutes, but could be over in 10 minutes. Make a note of how much time was spent. There is only so much “history” an examining doctor can absorb from one meeting with a patient.
Can I refuse an IME?
Failure to submit to an independent medical exam is cause for denial of benefits. So no, you can’t refuse an IME. No matter who performs the exam, the insurance carrier pays all costs of the IME. You are allowed to have your own doctor present during the exam, or a spouse or family member.
How do you fight an IME report?
5 Ways You Can Beat a UNUM IME Report
- Don’t Exaggerate Your Symptoms.
- Build Strong Relationships With Your Treating Doctors.
- Assume You’re Under Surveillance Before and After an IME.
- Bring a Trustworthy Witness With You.
- Consult an Experienced Disability Insurance Lawyer.
How should I dress for IME?
Generally speaking, dress comfortably in a way that doesn’t restrict your movement or place pressure on your injury. Also, if you were prescribed any kind of supportive devices, like canes or protective eyewear, make sure you wear/bring those too.
What happens after an IME report?
After the IME, the doctor will write a report with his or her conclusions and opinions, particularly in response to the disputed issues or questions raised by the insurance company. You or your lawyer should receive a copy of this report. The results of the IME can have a large impact on your case.
Are IME doctors honest?
While UNUM will assure you that the IME doctor is completely neutral, this is rarely the case. Most IME doctors don’t treat patients. Instead, these doctors make their living performing IMEs for insurance companies, who provide generous compensation for one-time examinations.
What is the next step after IME?
What do you wear to an IME?
On the day of your IME, wear loose clothing and eat a normal breakfast and lunch. BE sure you are comfortable and ready to take the exam. Bring a trusted loved one or witness with you to help record what happens during your examination.
Do I have to see an IME?
Yes, and yes! You have to attend the Independent Medical Exam (IME) under California law one time when it is called by the defense attorney in your case (after your case is filed in California Superior Court). Believe, it is not “independent” in any sense of the word, but you are required to attend.
What should you know about an independent medical exam?
The first thing you should know about an Independent Medical Examination is that you are not the IME doctor’s patient. This doctor is not there to provide medical treatment for your injury. The doctor is there to obtain contradictory information on behalf of whomever hired him/her.
What to expect during an independent medical evaluation?
Most importantly, talk to your attorney before your appointment. Your lawyer may have special information or advice for you about the specific doctor you will be seeing. Your lawyer may wish to emphasize certain aspects of your injury or disability during the evaluation and will be able to tell you how best to do that.
When to request an independent medical examination ( IME )?
In a liability claim, an IME is not part of the normal claims process but is created by the civil litigation “Discovery Rules,” NY CPLR § 3121 (2012). These rules say that if your physical condition is “in controversy” in a lawsuit, the other party has a right to demand an examination.
What should I know about a medical examination?
Very thorough, and very careful. If you leave out any information, the defense may accuse you of trying to hide something which could hurt your case. Remember that the doctor is examining everything about you to report back to the defense attorney.