Let’s call the Independent Medical Examiner (IME) “Devil”. The insurance carrier can request you see one of their own chosen doctors once every 180 days or after you have seen a Designated Doctor (DWC Appointed). From my experience, these doctors are chosen by the carrier for a reason. The insurance carrier looks for doctors who are willing to say, or find a way to say, that your injury is not all completely work related, that you are able to return to work with no restrictions, or even you are done with treatment and there should be no additional treatment or medication. Do they have a right to have you seen by these doctors? Yes. But they must submit a request through the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) first (form DWC 22). They may ask that you agree to it, but you should always say no. Make them go through the DWC to get the approval for this IME doctor.
Please know that these IME doctors have become incredibly creative in their assessments of your injury. They will surf the web for your Facebook information or anything else that is out there in the world-wide web, to discredit you. From the moment you get out of your car, up until the point you leave and return back to your car, they will observe how you are walking or carrying yourself. They may have been given surveillance videos that show you engaging your daily activities. My point is, be wary of these doctors. They are not concerned with your best interest. Unfortunately, in most cases you must attend or risk having your money benefits stopped or an interruption in treatment.
Consult with an attorney if you notice that the carrier is not interested in taking care of you, your medical treatment, or giving you the treatment you need.
