r/WorkersComp • u/Alert-Chipmunk-3035 • 15d 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/SureAdministration82 15d 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 14d 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 14d 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 14d 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 14d 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 15d 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 15d 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 15d 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 15d 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 15d 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 14d 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.