[Enigma97]

Hoping someone has experience in this.

I had a hand injury in May. I was out of work for 2 weeks and got workers comp. went back and within a few weeks the original injury worsened. I waited a month and finally went back to the doctor. He felt the worsened condition was from the original injury and referred me to a surgeon. Surgeon gave me a few options and I opted for surgery as it was a fairly minor surgery and I would be back to work in 4-6 weeks.

I had surgery in mid August and went back to work 5 weeks later cleared. Had 3 follow ups with the surgeon as there was still some mobility issues. I also had several ocupoational PT visits. No issues with insurance company that I knew of. The third week of November my surgeon decided not much more could be done and I might always have mild lingering issues and says he will close my case. I agreed as I felt I could do what I needed to do with the hand..
Now 3 weeks later the insurance company sends me a letter stating a IME is scheduled for January?? WhAt is the point of it? Can they come back now and try to shaft me??
Not sure if I need a lawyer...nothing makes sense as I have been back to work since September and closed the case on my own..

[bronco54501]

Has your surgeon given you a impairment rating...? When you at the end of healing and your dr closes your case it then gets a rating for imparement, either your surgeon or a different ime dr does this. It does not mean they are out to get you, its just procedure and you may be awarded money if your hand is impaired.

[Enigma97]

(12-18-2013, 11:54 PM)bronco54501 Wrote: Has your surgeon given you a impairment rating...? When you at the end of healing and your dr closes your case it then gets a rating for imparement, either your surgeon or a different ime dr does this. It does not mean they are out to get you, its just procedure and you may be awarded money if your hand is impaired.

Honestly not sure- he didn't mention one. Just said something about there being a few year window if disability became a issue?

[1171]

they are entitled to an update on your condition from their doctor.
if there is permanent impairment there may be additional benefits due.
more here:
http://wcd.oregon.gov/communications/pub...s/3923.pdf
http://wcd.oregon.gov/rdrs/mru/SB311/311workers.html