What Happens at an Independent Medical Examination in a Workers’ Compensation Case?

If you’ve been hurt on the job and have already been jumping through insurance hoops to pursue compensation, receiving a notice for an Independent Medical Examination can feel unsettling. What is it? Why do you have to go? Could this help or hurt your claim?

In general, here’s what an IME involves:

• The insurance company requests the exam to get a second opinion on your injury.
• A doctor they choose examines you and reviews your records.
• You’ll answer questions about your injury, symptoms, and treatment.
• The doctor writes a report that can affect your benefits.

At Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., our Chicago workers’ compensation attorneys have guided injured workers through the workers’ comp process for over 40 years. We can help you understand this component of pursuing workers’ comp and what it might look like for you so you can feel more prepared going forward.

Why Would the Insurance Company Request an Independent Medical Exam?

The insurance company pays for your workers’ compensation benefits, so they have a financial interest in your claim. An IME gives them a second medical opinion, separate from your own doctor.

Insurers may request an IME to:

• Confirm whether your injury is work-related
• Question the treatment your doctor recommends
• Assess whether you’re ready to return to work
• Determine the extent of your disability

Keep in mind: the doctor performing the exam works for the insurance company, not for you. These exams are more often for the insurer’s benefit than yours.

What Usually Happens During an IME?

An IME is typically shorter than a regular doctor’s visit. During the exam, you can expect the doctor to:

• Ask about your injury: How it happened, when, and what symptoms you feel now
• Review your medical history, including past injuries and current treatment
• Perform a physical exam: Testing your range of motion, strength, and pain levels
• Take notes and observations: Even small comments or movements may be recorded

Be honest and consistent. Don’t exaggerate your pain, but don’t downplay it either. Simply describe your experience as accurately as you can, remembering that everything you say and do can end up in the final report.

How Should I Prepare for an IME?

A little preparation for this exam goes a long way. Walking in ready helps you stay calm and give an accurate picture of your injury.

Before your exam:

• Arrive early and bring a photo ID
• Write down key dates and details about your injury
• List all your symptoms, even minor ones
• Create a list of your current medications
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement

When you speak with the doctor, stick to the facts. Describe your pain and limitations clearly, and answer questions directly and concisely. If something hurts, say so. If a movement is difficult, don’t force it.

How Can the Doctor’s IME Report Affect My Case?

After the exam, the doctor sends a report to the insurance company. This report can carry real weight in your case, potentially impacting your medical treatment, disability benefits, or your final settlement value. If the IME report conflicts with your own doctor’s opinion, your benefits could even be reduced or denied. That doesn’t mean the fight is over, however. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can challenge an unfair report and protect your right to fair compensation.

Helping You Protect Your Rights to Compensation

An IME is a routine part of many workers’ compensation cases, but it’s also a moment where your benefits could be at risk. Knowing what to expect, and having someone in your corner when the moment arrives, can help yours go more smoothly.

At Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., we’ve fought for injured workers in Chicago and Cook County for more than four decades, earning a track record of success for our clients. If you have questions about an upcoming IME or your workers’ compensation claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation.