As part of the workers’ compensation claim process, WorkCover may require that you attend an independent medical examination (IME).
When you have a worker’s compensation claim, your treating doctor will determine your medical treatment, whether you can return to work and whether you have a permanent disability. Where there is a dispute with your employer’s insurance company about any of these determinations, WorkCover will require that you see an IME doctor.
It is important that you understand IMEs and the role of the IME doctor since in many cases, IME reports can significantly affect your claim.
An IME is conducted by a physician who will give an expert opinion about any disputes in your claim. The IME doctor is engaged by WorkCover and their role is very different from your regular doctor. Whilst your general practitioner’s role is to treat your condition, an IME doctor’s role is to provide information about your condition to WorkCover in relation to your claim.
Importantly, while you enjoy the benefits of a privileged doctor-patient relationship with your regular general practitioner, nothing you say to the IME doctor will be confidential. The purpose of an IME is for the doctor to gather information about you that WorkCover can use to determine your case.
The IME doctor will likely begin by asking you general questions about your injury, the work-related incident that led to the injury, and your medical history. The doctor may also conduct some exams and tests to assess your injury.
Everything you say to the IME doctor in response to these questions can be relayed to WorkCover. This is the same for any observations that the doctor makes about you. For example, if you come into the examination wearing a neck brace and grimacing from neck pain, and later the IME doctor observes you in the carpark taking off your neck brace and freely moving your neck, the doctor will make note of this and this inconsistency can be used against you in the claim.
Before your IME you should plan for the following:
After the IME, you should do the following:
IME reports carry a substantial amount of weight as they are often used as evidence at workers’ compensation hearings to establish an employee’s degree of permanent disability or how much he or she should receive in benefits.
The results of an IME can have a big impact on your claim. IME doctors are often perceived as being unbiased experts and as a result, their opinion is given significant weight. This can mean that if the IME report contradicts your treating doctor’s opinion, your employer can refuse to pay additional benefits or can reject additional treatment.
Victoria’s workers’ compensation laws are complex, so being injured at work is not only painful but can also leave employees who have suffered a workplace accident unsure of their next steps. Having the advice of a dedicated and experienced lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of a case, especially for employees who are severely injured. If an IME has been scheduled for you by the WorkCover insurance company it may be a good time to get some independent legal advice about your claim. Contact Gordon Legal today on 9603 3000 to get advice on your compensation claim today.
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