IME's

Twenty minutes to my self-imposed midnight deadline and I've decided I can't do the blog already written for today's post.  Why?  Because I feel like I need to tackle a subject near and dear to my heart.  And that's issuing a warning.


Those of you who have been dealing with this for awhile will understand what I'm talking about.  Those who are in the beginning stages don't have a clue about what's waiting for them down the line.  I know I sure didn't.  But believe me, there are people who have made it their life's mission to discredit your injuries, to make it sound like you're 'faking it,' and even blame whatever is wrong with you on your prior medical history.


These offenders would be none other than those in the medical profession.  The ones who take this silly little oath to keep their patients from harm and injustice.  Yeah, right.  The moment they sign on to administer IME's (Independent Medical Evaluations), I guess they forget about that.  Refuting what real doctors say is, after all, a very lucrative business.


Sometimes, I've found, they seem just as nice as can be.  But don't be fooled.  They are being paid to dispute everything your doctors have diagnosed.  As I mentioned above, they will try to say there's nothing wrong with you.  Or if there is, it's not the result of your accident but rather something from your past is the cause.  Some will write out and out lies and, sadly, I know this from experience.


Fairly early in my post-accident journey, my claims rep suggested I let them hire a 'case manager' for me.  She explained their duties were to coordinate treatment, help keep track of everything and make sure no stone was left unturned to make sure I recovered as quickly as possible.  Having already been given reason to distrust her, I said I'd think about it, and did some checking around.


Take it from me, an independent case manager is a wonderful thing.  If a treating physician believes one will benefit their patient, they can write a prescription which the patient can then use to find one on their own.  Or by referral from someone they trust.  If they're prescribed, the insurance company should have to cover this expense.


A case manager will make sure that IME's are scheduled at their convenience and attend them with patient.  This is a good thing because they will be a witness for every exam.  And that's exactly what an accident victim needs.  Notice I said 'needs,' not  'wants.'  


If they can't get one, they need to make sure that someone goes with them to an IME.  They are entitled to a support person with them throughout the exam, at least in my state.  It's a definite advantage to have an extra pair of eyes and ears because IME doctors will generally not allow  audio or video taping of the time they spend with a patient, so a witness is crucial.


If the witness is able, they should take notes throughout the exam.  If not, when it's over, both the patient and the witness should write down everything they remember.  Time of arrival, when the exam began and how long it lasted.  What the doctor did and asked.  After the patient receives their copy of the report, they're often stunned by the differences in what actually happened and what the 'doctor' claimed happened.


The road to recovery is a long one.  A case manager or witness might make things a little easier when a claims rep decides the patient has taken too long to recover.  In too many cases people kiss their benefits goodbye, leaving them no alternative but take the matter to court to get them reinstated.   Knowing details will make them a more credible witness.