What Is an Independent Medical Examination in an Iowa Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If you were injured on the job, filing a workers’ compensation claim can feel overwhelming. One step that may arise during the process is an Independent Medical Examination, often called an IME. An IME is usually requested by an employer or its workers’ compensation insurance carrier to assess an injury, treatment needs, work restrictions, or ability to return to work.

The examination can affect important parts of a claim, including the medical care you receive and whether the insurer agrees with your treating doctor’s recommendations. Understanding the process before your appointment can help you prepare and recognize when it may be time to speak with an attorney.

What Is an Independent Medical Examination in a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

An IME is an evaluation performed by a doctor who has not previously treated you for the work-related injury or illness. The doctor reviews your medical history and records, examines you, and gives an opinion about issues such as the cause and extent of your injury, necessary treatment, work restrictions, and any permanent impairment.

Unlike a treating physician, the IME doctor is not responsible for providing your ongoing care. The examination is intended to provide an opinion for the workers’ compensation claim, and that opinion may differ from the recommendations of your treating provider. An IME report is not necessarily the final word on your claim, but it can become important evidence in a dispute involving a workplace injury claim.

What Happens During an Independent Medical Examination?

Every appointment is different, but an IME commonly includes:

• Medical-record review: The physician may review records from your treating doctors, prior injuries, test results, and treatment history.
• Discussion of the injury: You may be asked how the injury happened, what symptoms you experience, and how the condition affects your work and daily activities.
• Physical examination: The doctor may evaluate your movement, strength, pain levels, and other physical limitations related to the injury.
• Opinion about treatment and restrictions: The physician may address whether additional treatment is appropriate, whether you need work restrictions, or whether you have reached maximum medical improvement.
• Written report: After the examination, the physician may prepare a report for the employer, insurer, or others involved in the claim.

Be accurate and consistent when discussing your injury. Do not guess about dates, symptoms, prior conditions, or limitations. If you do not know an answer, say so rather than speculating.

What Iowa Law Says About IMEs

Under Iowa Code section 85.39, an employer may request that an injured employee attend an examination at a reasonable time and place. The examination should be provided without cost to the employee. The law also allows an employee to have a physician of their own choosing present at the examination at the employee’s expense.

If you must leave paid work to attend a requested examination, Iowa law addresses your regular pay for that time and transportation to and from the appointment. A refusal to attend a properly requested examination may affect workers’ compensation benefits during the period of refusal. Because the facts of each claim matter, it is wise to understand the request and your options before the appointment.

How to Prepare for an IME

Preparing in advance can make the appointment less stressful. Bring any identification or paperwork requested in the appointment notice. Review your medical history, current treatment, work restrictions, and the details of how the injury occurred. It may also help to keep notes about your symptoms, appointments, medications, and how the injury affects your ability to work.

During the examination, answer questions honestly and clearly. Focus on the symptoms and limitations you actually experience. If you have concerns about the request, your treatment, or the impact an IME may have on your benefits, a workers’ compensation attorney can review the situation with you.

Talk With Peters Law Firm About Your IME

An IME can affect medical treatment, work restrictions, and the benefits available through a workers’ compensation claim. Peters Law Firm helps injured workers in Council Bluffs and Southwest Iowa understand their options and address disputes that arise during the claims process.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your workers’ compensation claim with our legal team.

FAQs About Independent Medical Examinations

What does an IME doctor evaluate?

An IME doctor may evaluate the cause and severity of your injury, treatment needs, work restrictions, ability to return to work, and whether a permanent impairment exists. For more information about the overall process, visit our workers’ compensation services page.

Do I have to attend an IME in Iowa?

An employer may request an examination at a reasonable time and place under Iowa workers’ compensation law. Failing to attend a properly requested examination can affect benefits, so it is important to understand the request and seek legal guidance if you have concerns.

Should I speak with an attorney before an IME?

Speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney before an IME can help you understand the role of the examination and how it may affect your claim. An attorney can also review disputes involving treatment, work restrictions, or benefits.