Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

Hey Bad Boy

On an earlier post you advised not to let an IME doctor do x-rays.

I have another IME scheduled, this one is for my carpal tunnel and it is the same doctor that did the eval on my back.

Course when I had that IME the first thing the doctor did was have X-rays taken.

What happens if I tell them at my IME appointment that I do not want any X-rays taken?

I do have the written report on the nerve conduction test that I will bring with me to this appointment.

Thanks for read this.
Bummer Knees

When I had my IME done that the WC IC ordered I had to present all my medical records ( IC lawyer sent them ) and not one xray or emg was requested of me. I have no idea why any IME doctor would have to do a Xray if you had one already. They (WC) should of sent him/her a copy of the xray before your office visit. If you have one, try to get a copy to bring with you that day in case it is requested. I did not have to bring one medical record to my visit and it lasted 10 mins.

Hi Sparkey

I haven't had X-rays of my arm or hand taken before.

Would one be needed to diagnosis the carpal tunnel?

Here is a short list to use as a general IME rule; Provided by Attorney's: I would also say, you confirm these with your own Attorney before going, and have your Attorney set-up guidelines:

After taking a medical history, the doctor will make a physical exam. The exact procedures vary based on your injuries and the doctor.

Here are things to avoid:

Do not volunteer any information not requested.
Do not discuss who is at fault in your case.
Do not discuss settlement of your case.
Do not allow the doctor to take X-rays or conduct other diagnostic tests.
Do not take any written or psychological tests such as a MMPI.
Do not go to any other doctors or facilities without your attorney's approval.

Thanks Bad Noy

If I refuse testing by the IME doctor can work comp use this against me?

I don't see how. But that is why you talk it over with your attorney first also.

An IME is an Exam, it doesn't stand for any test, unless asked for before you go.

This is also why, a person should bring all their medical reports, X-rays, MRI's, CT Scans with them to an IME visit.

I would think a normal, hand - wrist X-Ray would make it hard to confirm Carpal Tunnel without a Nerve Conduction Test.

Without the proper testing, even an IME is going to have a hard time saying it is carpal tunnel or not. But, in your case then, to confirm Carpal Tunnel, plus to say it occurred due to the use of a Cain or Crutches. The IME doctor Exam will be like as if Blindfolds are on then. For the IME will have nothing but a Diag Theory to go by.

My opinion of your IME Visit then, can't look favorable at all without the test performed.

But, as I had said before, if the Carpal Tunnel issue doesn't go well, drop it from WC and have it taken care of through Health Insurance. The recovery can also be quick if all goes well. I would only allow a hand surgeon to do this surgery.

Thanks Bad Boy

The IME doctor I am being sent to is the doctor that wrote the script for the cane on 12/29/06.

I do have the documents to back this up and the attorney will receive them by mail next week.

The only testing I've had done is an EMG by a neurologist.

Bummer when I went to the court ordered IME it was the first real head to toe I have ever had......before I went I spent nearly 2 weeks compiling my list of injuries I kept a notebook with me and each time I did something that hurt I put it down....the night before the IME I put it in report form with a body outline with x's where I had pain and the scale of pain....on their paper work I woulds only write see attached list and when I went into the room with the nurse I had 2 more copies of this report with a sentance at the bottom of each saying a copy of this has been given to put in records and had the nurse sign it....A copy went to my lawyer and one for my records....their doc didnt even look at it....which was reason enough for the court to send me to theirs...their doc did x rays, cat scans and then 2 disc o grams and a test for carpal tunnel in my hands.....blood work to see if I was abusing drugs I mean head to toe......The court Doc sent a report to the judge saying if the IC had taken care of the problem in a timely manner I would have been fixed and back to work because of their negligence I was now rated by him at 77% so I got 77% plus the IC was fined by the court which I also got....The report must be printed in a different color mine was in green......that is because when my lawyer went to question the doc and he asked him did he see what I wrote he said yes he read it my lawyer asked him was it hand written the doc said yes it was.......he hadnt even looked he came in bopped me on the knee and said go back to work......the nurses in his office sent me to the ER cuz I couldnt even stand up....I ended up in the hospital for 3 days......with an inner ear infection..all documented..need less to say the judge didnt give his report much weight

Hi Jayne

The IME report on my back details certian test that the doctor never did.

The doctor also listed my how much I weighted and said I was over weight.
The only time he ever weighted me was November 2005.

At this appointment one of the first things the doctor said to me was, "You've lost a lot of wieght"

That shows how accurate the report was.