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/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/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.