Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

I am in Arizona.

Hey everyone. I am in the process of changing lawyers (my lawyer is passing the case to another lawyer, not our choice..long story) so until the "new" lawyer gets caught up on what is going on I am freaking out here.

I'll try to make it short. NCM got Dr to release Full Duty as of 3/16. Went to work, they only had light duty for me, couldn't even do that without horrible pain. After 8 days working light duty I made an appt with Dr. and saw him WITHOUT the NCM. NCM showed up, we had to tell her she was not invited, had to pull the "lawyer" card on her. She pulled her normal crap and handed me a letter for an IME they have scheduled for 4/20.

Anyway Doc agreed to take me off work "until after IME". So here is my question(s).

1. Any advice on what do to at my IME appt? Anything special I need to know?
2. What if the IME tries to say I am ok to work? My regular Dr. seems to be wishy washy and tells me I need to look for a new job but I am not sure he will back me up only because there is no "evidence" of my pain. THAT IS THE STUPIDEST ANSWER!
3. Does the Work Comp Ins have to keep paying me if the IME says I can work but other Dr.'s say I can not?
4. Finally - Does anyone have any advice or luck with "Unscheduled" injuries. I guess I am unscheduled because I hurt both arms.

Thanks.
-Dan
DOI 6/11/08 - Left Radial Head Fracture. Right Wrist Compound Fracture, Surgeries 6/14/08; 9/20/08. Reduced ROM, narrowing of joints, and post-traumatic arthritis in both Rt wrist and Lt elbow.

I am not from Arizona but i had a few thoughts i would like to share.
More than likely you will be watched by an investigator within 2 weeks of your appt as well as the day of. Check the Drs credentials as well as ID. Try to hold off on pain meds before the appt so your reactions during the exam are more natural and not masked by medication. Be sure to take someone with you that can document the appt as well as assist you. Write down every question asked and every test he performs. be sure to give 100 %. Answer all questions with yes or no. Do not elaborate.After the exam, set up an appt with your Dr and have him file his opinion with the board on your degree of disability as well as any restrictions. Good luck to you

I have also found that since the IME appnts. are often 5 mins. long, I have found it helpful to take a 1-page outline with your questions with me, for the Dr. (take 2 copies-1 for ea. of you.) That way, when the nurse says you can hold on to it...you can honestly say you have a copy and this one is for the Dr. She will have to take it and put it with your file. The Dr. will have to look at it, along with your file, and will almost surely mention it to you. It will give you a chance to get your questions answerer, before he heads out as quickly as he came in.

Good Luck! Please keep us posted.

Hi, i just wanted to add....Don't allow the doctor to hurt you more...try your best, but don't be shy about speaking up if he's hurting you.

Here's a good site for you to ck out. " IME Beware "

http://www.cuconsumers.org/CUCFconinfo0031.HTML

Take care, and Good Luck! Lilly

well done Lilly...

Lilly, The words you say are very true.

I had an IME last week, the doctor would ask, "Does this hurt?"

I would make a face but not speak up, my friend was with me and would tell the doctor I was in pain as she could see it in my face.

When the doctor steped out of the room, my friend lectured me with saying I needed to speak up when I hurt while the exam was going on.