Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

I have the IME appointment this morning.

When I called the doctor’s office 2 weeks ago I was told the appointment was to evaluate the bilateral lower extremities.

I was prepared for the doctor to evaluate the knees and to be placed at MMI today. Well, that did not happen.

First, the nurse took me to the x-ray dept and said we need to x-ray your back. When I questioned her about the appointment being for my knees, her response was; not now.
The insurance company sent us a letter and your back is to be evaluated.

Next, I waited for the doctor in the patient’s room along with my sister who went with me to the appointment. The doctor entered and confirmed the evaluation of the back. He took history, asked me a number of questions about my symptoms, and had me do ROM.

I found sitting in the chair was not comfortable and did my share of standing while talking to the doctor.

He told me, from looking at your films I see no reason for the problems you are having with you back/nerve pain.

I didn’t realize that nerve compression showed on an x-ray. He is writing his report for the insurance company; court is next Thursday to include my back in the claim.

I totally expect to have nothing but problems with the doctor’s report, but I have almost 3 years of medical records on the treatment I have received, along with a letter linking my back to the injury written by my (doctor), osteopath..

The doctor checked the ROM in my knees & is not happy with the ROM I have of the left knee. He said according to records I am showing regression with loss of extension and flexion.

The only time I was aware of nerve compression showing in an xray is when the back is so bad from disc degeneration usually at multiple levels they can then see it,from the collapsing of the levels. But if you are complaining of back pain that you think is nerve pain I would push for a MRI that is your best diagnostic tool. But if this is the first time they are evaluating your back the first test would be xray.
I am not a doc and maybe someone else can come along with more info but
thats what I have learned. I have been studying that spine web site on everything
back and nerve related.

Major mistake Bummer. IME visits, you never allow X-rays, or treatment. You should had made sure of that. And another thing is, this doctor is your past doctor that refered you to a surgeon. Your Attorney needs to step up to the plate, and not allow this to be called an IME.

Bad Boy

I really believe this doctor already had his mind made up what he was putting in his report before he ever saw me.

If I had not allowed the X-rays then I would have been viewed as not cooperating with work comp and would have my benefits terminated. It was a call I had to make on the spot.

I called my attorney after the appointment and he is working on another evaluation being in the works. I also have almost 3 years of medical records related to treatment of my back that I have paid for myself to use in court.

If I am correct, this IME Doctor was or use to be your treating Doctor. Being so, then can't, or shouldn't have been used as an IME Doctor. I would have contacted the Attorney, and then asked if they could take X-rays and what not, and the fact that you were not only being examed for your knee, but also now your back. Which was not told to you, or not your Attorney. If you then refused the X-Rays and found not cooperating. All your Attorney would had to do, was show it wasn't a true IME visit. It wasn't an Independent Doctor, for the doctor had treated you prior. Now, it may either get tossed out if your Attorney is on the ball, or your Attorney may have to perform a Depo on this doctor. A depo which can be costly which is paid out of your settlement money later in time.

When I visited with my attorney in his office this past week he told me to cooperate with the doctor at the eval.

My attorney was not notified of plans to eval my back, and he was not happy when I called him and told him what the doctor had done.

He did say I have plenty of documentation in my medical records of the problems with my back, and if the IME doctor writes his report that I have no problems with my back then the doctor's report will loose creditability in court.

The doctor was not happy with the condition of my knee at 4 months post surgery.
I have lost ROM and lost strength in the knee since the first of October. This doctor said the window of opportunity for getting the knee back is almost gone. Scar tissue has been a large factor in my recovery. He also does not feel I am at MMI with the knee.

Hubby got the total gym out and I have added this to my exercise program, as I use to use one in physical therapy.

you were in one of those darned if you do darned if you dont places

Yes I was Jayne. I did audio record the IME due to being hearing impaired.

May let my attorney listen to it.

Yes, you done what you felt needed to be done. W#hich will still be ok, as your medical records can prove different.

Bummer..I agree totally with BB on this issue. Whenever I have had an IME scheduled my attorney has sent me paperwork or what to allow and not allow at the exam. you must always be cooperative BUT I feel this whole thing was out of line because at an IME tests are not performed and they switched body parts on you. Hopefully you attorney can turn this around and with all your medical documentation you will be back on your feet so to say. I am also sorry you are losing ROM in your knee. Bummer no matter how hard I worked after my shoulder surgery i just didn't recuperate fully. I had my share of PT's tell me I wasn't doing enough. They always want the blame on the patient.


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