Posts From July, 2020

What Is an Independent Medical Examination?

When you’re injured in an accident at work, you’re going to want to work with your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. It’s only natural that you would see the medical professional you’ve worked with for years. However, your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company may require you to also see another doctor for what they call an independent medical examination. This examination is vital to your case, but you may not know exactly what the point of it is. Let’s look at the basics of an IME, as they’re usually called.

It’s a Neutral Doctor

You may have been with your current doctor for years or decades. Some people have had the same primary care physician for all of their adult life. You know and trust your doctor, but the insurance company sees this as a problem. They believe your doctor may be biased towards you, so they want you to see an independent, neutral doctor who will, in their minds, more honestly and accurately report your injuries.

Why Does the Insurance Company Not Trust Your Doctor?

In most cases, the workers’ comp insurance company isn’t saying they think your doctor is intentionally lying. However, they do believe that they may be unconsciously biased because they’ve known you for so long. They also want any major treatment, such as surgery or other expensive or extensive procedures, to be confirmed by another doctor. If your doctor has diagnosed you as being permanently disabled, they will also want this confirmed. It’s more or less a second opinion, but unfortunately, one that carries a lot of weight in your case.

Who Selects this Doctor?

In New York, the doctor is selected by the insurance company, your employer if they provide their own worker’s comp insurance, or by the NY State Insurance Fund. This does bring into question their neutrality since the insurance company is paying them. In some cases, you are allowed to select the doctor, while in other cases, the doctor is selected by the judge in your case or is randomly pulled from a pool of qualified doctors.

What Happens During the Exam?

This exam isn’t going to be like a normal medical exam. Instead, the doctor is going to review your entire medical history, look over any documentation regarding your injury from your doctor, and talk to you about any treatment and symptoms you’re experiencing. If they perform a physical exam, it’s likely to be fairly short or limited. They often look more at your reactions and, in their letter, discuss their impressions of your injury. Also note that anything you tell this doctor can be repeated—there is no doctor/patient confidentiality!

If you’ve been injured at work, you want a doctor on your side who will work to get you the compensation you deserve. Here at Maximum Orthopedics, we provide very thorough and honest injury reports that will help you prove your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

  • Posted on: Jul 28 2020
  • By:

Common Injuries from a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycles can be a lot of fun to ride, and for some people, they’re their main form of transportation. However, there’s also a risk to riding motorcycles. If you’re involved in an auto accident, you’re much more likely to be injured than if you were driving a car. Here are some of the most common injuries that occur from a motorcycle accident.

Fractures and Broken Bones

When you’re thrown from a motorcycle, even while wearing protective gear, it’s still easy to fracture or break a bone. During accidents, the motorcycle often falls over, trapping the rider’s leg under it. Having all of this weight hit the leg at once can easily break it. Riders also tend to try to break their fall with their arms, which can result in damage to the arm and wrist.

Road Rash

Road rash occurs when you go sliding across the road. The pavement causes cuts and scratches on any skin that isn’t covered by a jacket. In some cases, even light jackets or a long-sleeved shirt isn’t enough to protect you. The pavement can actually shred this light material. These injuries may leave behind permanent scars.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Being thrown from a motorcycle can cause damage to your spine. Some motorcycle riders are even left unable to walk after a serious accident. These injuries tend to be quite severe and require surgery or long-term hospitalization to recover.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Injury to the brain can also occur, especially if you’re not wearing a helmet. Even those who do wear helmets are still at risk of a brain injury, although that risk is greatly reduced. Traumatic brain injuries account for more than half of the deaths from motorcycle accidents. Those who survive often find themselves permanently affected by the injury.

Dealing with Auto Accidents and Recovery

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to seek compensation, especially if your injuries were severe. You may also need physical therapy. The team here at Maximum Orthopedics can help you with both. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

  • Posted on: Jul 15 2020
  • By:

4 Convenient Locations



Recent Posts

Workers Compensation Doctors vs Independent Medical Examiners: Understanding the Difference

When dealing with a work-related injury, understanding the difference between Workers’ Compensation Doctors and Independent Medical Examiners (IMEs) is crucial. While both professionals assess injuries, their roles, responsibilities, and impact on your claim vary significantly. What Is a Workers’ Compensation Doctor? A Workers’ Compensation Doctor is a medical professional authorized to treat injured employees under ... read more
  • Posted on Feb 13, 2025
  • By:

The Importance of Timely Reporting for Workers’ Compensation Claims

When an injury occurs at work, timely reporting is crucial for ensuring that workers’ compensation claims are handled efficiently. Delays in reporting can lead to complications, denial of benefits, and unnecessary stress for injured employees. Understanding why prompt reporting matters can help both employees and employers navigate the workers’ compensation process more effectively. Why Timely ... read more
  • Posted on Jan 12, 2025
  • By:

Navigating the Workers’ Compensation Maze: How a Specialized Doctor Can Advocate for You

When you're injured at work, the path to recovery can often feel as complex as the injury itself. The workers’ compensation system—designed to provide support and benefits for those hurt on the job—can be a labyrinth of paperwork, medical evaluations, insurance claims, and legal hurdles. Navigating this system can be overwhelming, especially when you're focused ... read more
  • Posted on Nov 30, 2024
  • By:

Get in touch