What happens at an Independent Medical Examination (IME) for workers’ comp?
What you need to know
An Independent Medical Examination sounds neutral, but it is not. The insurance carrier selects and pays the IME doctor. That doctor’s goal is to produce a medical report that limits the insurer’s financial exposure — not to treat you or advocate for your health.
Under WCB rules, you must attend any IME the insurance carrier schedules. Skipping it can result in your benefits being suspended. You will receive written notice of the exam date, time, and location. If you cannot make it due to a medical emergency, notify the carrier and your attorney immediately and document everything.
Here is what to expect: the exam is usually brief — often 15 minutes or less. The doctor will review your records, ask you about your injury history, and do a limited physical examination. Be honest and thorough. Describe your pain and limitations accurately. Do not minimize your symptoms or try to appear stronger than you are.
After the exam, the IME doctor sends a written report to the WCB and the insurance carrier. If the report contradicts your treating doctor’s findings, the insurer will use it to reduce or terminate your benefits. This triggers a hearing where the two medical opinions are weighed by a WCB judge.
You have the right to have your own doctor submit rebuttal evidence. In many cases, a strong counter-report from your treating physician — especially with objective test results like MRI or EMG findings — defeats the IME report.
Never go to an IME without understanding your rights. Call us before the exam for a free consultation.
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Brian M. Mittman, Esq.
Managing Partner · Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.
Call 866-205-2415 Schedule with Brian- Admitted in New York
- 30+ years in practice
- Attends Board hearings personally
Brian has personally handled New York workers' compensation, SSDI, and personal-injury cases for over three decades. Your case is never handed off to a paralegal.
- Admitted in New York and New Jersey
- Pace University School of Law, J.D.
- Litigates before the Workers' Compensation Board
Randy has litigated every type of claim before the Workers' Compensation Board on behalf of hundreds of claimants.
- Admitted in New York, 2008
- New York Law School, J.D. 2007
- With The Disability Guys since 2013
Benai has spent more than a decade fighting for injured workers before the Workers' Compensation Board and the New York State Employees' Retirement Board.
- Admitted in New York, 2007
- 20 years in practice
- Fluent in Spanish
Emily has spent two decades on New York workers' compensation and Social Security Disability matters, including service as an Agency Attorney and Hearing Officer for NYC Transit and the MTA.
- Admitted in New York, 2023
- Albany Law School, J.D. 2022
- Handles Third Department appeals
Lauren represents injured workers in Workers' Compensation matters and handles appeals before the Appellate Division, Third Department.
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