A workers comp independent medical exam is a visit with a doctor the insurer chooses and pays, not your own doctor. That report can change your checks and your care, so call us before you go. In New York, you have the right to record the exam and bring someone with you.
What a workers comp independent medical exam is for
The insurer uses this exam to test your claim. The doctor looks at whether the injury came from work and whether you still need treatment.
The report may also say you reached maximum medical improvement or give you an impairment rating. This doctor will not treat you and does not work for you.
In New York, the insurer has the right to send you to one. Skipping the exam can put your checks at risk, so call us before you decide anything.
Pennsylvania adds a special exam. After 104 weeks of total disability, the insurer can require an exam to check whether you are at 35% impairment.
That result can change how your benefits are paid. A Pennsylvania workers comp attorney can show you what is at stake.
How to prepare for an IME
Write down how you got hurt, in your own words. List every doctor visit, test and treatment so far.
Make a short list of what you cannot do now. Think about lifting, sitting, sleep, stairs and getting dressed.
Bring your ID and a list of your medicines. Get there early, and note the time the doctor comes in and leaves.
If your claim is in New York, you may record the exam on video and bring someone with you. The notice has rules to follow, and your attorney can walk you through them.
What to say and not say at the exam
Answer what the doctor asks, plainly. Tell it the same way you told your own doctor.
Do not make the pain sound worse than it is. Do not tough it out and say you feel fine, either.
If you do not remember a date, say so instead of guessing. Leave old injuries, other lawsuits and weekend plans out unless the doctor asks.
The exam may start before you reach the room. The doctor may watch how you walk, sit and get to your car.
After the exam, the doctor sends a report to the insurer. When you have it, paste the report text in the box below to see it in plain words.
What does my IME report mean?
You get back who sent it, what it decides, the dates, and the deadline it states.
The deadline on that letter is running. Call now and an attorney goes over it with you for free.
Call about my letter(866) 460-1510If the IME report goes against you
A bad report can say you can go back to work, or rate your injury low. The insurer may then cut your checks or deny care.
Call us first for a free review. Your own doctor can write a response, and your attorney can challenge the report.
Appeal clocks are short once a decision comes down. Ohio gives you 14 days to appeal a BWC order. New York gives you 30 days to appeal a judge's decision.
When checks have already stopped, read about workers comp payments that stopped.
Settlement offers after an IME
Insurers often make an offer after an IME finds you at maximum medical improvement. A fast offer can be a low offer.
Check the offer against your rating before you sign anything. Our settlement guide lays out what to look for.
No fee unless you win. The attorney is paid only out of money recovered, and state law caps that fee. See what a workers comp lawyer costs.
Questions injured workers ask
What should I not say during an IME?
Do not stretch the truth either way, and do not guess at dates. Skip talk about old injuries, lawsuits or hobbies unless the doctor asks.
How do I prepare for an IME exam?
Call us for a free review first. Then list your symptoms, treatments and limits, and bring your ID and medicine list.
What happens after an IME in workers comp?
The doctor sends a report to the insurer. The insurer may keep paying, cut your checks or deny treatment based on it. Your own doctor can answer the report.
Can I record my independent medical exam?
In New York, yes. You have the right to record the exam and bring someone with you.
Do I have to go to the IME?
Skipping it can put your checks at risk. Call us before the exam date so an attorney can look at the notice.
Will I get a settlement offer after an IME?
Insurers often make an offer after an IME finds you at maximum medical improvement. Compare it to your rating before you sign.
Reviewed 8/28/2026