After submitting a long-term disability claim, you may be asked to endure an independent medical examination (IME). The purpose of this examination is to clear up any inconsistencies regarding your claim.
So what happens after an IME report has been completed?
Read on to find out.
After the IME
Once the IME is complete, the examining physician will issue a report including their conclusions and opinions. The report will likely be framed to respond to the disputed concerns or questions asked by the insurance company.
The results of the IME can seriously impact your disability claim. It’s common for insurance companies and even judges to view IME doctors as “experts” and weigh their reports heavily. It’s also common for judges to see IME physicians as more objective than treating physicians, even though that’s not always the case.
Discrediting an IME physician’s opinion can be very challenging (but not impossible).
If You Disagree With the Report
If you disagree with the IME physician’s report, you may be able to challenge it.
For instance, if the physician’s stance is based on invalid information regarding your medical history or another factual error, you should make it known immediately. Write a letter to the physician and the insurance company describing the inaccuracies and provide evidence, if possible. Ask the doctor to explain the report through an addendum.
It may also be possible to request a second medical examination to be conducted by a physician you choose in certain states.
Suppose you’re unable to resolve the issue informally and the incorrect report is being used against you to limit or eliminate your benefits. In that case, the next step is to hire a skilled disability attorney to help with your case. Having an attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim.
If you’re disabled and can’t get the benefits you need, we may be able to help. Our team only handles disability cases, so you can rest assured that you’re working with the best of the best.
Call Dabdoub Law Firm today at (800) 969-0488 to speak with an attorney about your case.
