Independent medical examinations (IME)

The insurer may require you to attend medical examinations with doctors it chooses. Workers’ compensation benefits may be stopped if you fail to attend these examinations. Invasive procedures cannot be performed without your consent and your benefits cannot be reduced or stopped if you decline invasive procedures. If you need advance payment of your costs to attend the examination, be sure to request the advance as soon as possible. The insurer pays all costs for the medical examination. You may have a family member or friend accompany you during the examination, if you have the signed observer form and give it to the doctor. However, doctor approval is required for an observer in psychological exams. The insurer will not pay any expenses for the family member or friend.