Can an IME doctor send you back to work?
The term "IME Doctor" is not always properly used within the vicinity of its role in the Workers' Compensation system and timeline.
An injured worker will initially see a treating doctor that accepts Workers’ Compensation cases from the employer’s insurance company. This doctor will make an initial diagnosis and provide treatment based on ODG Guidelines and the injury that is rated “Compensable'' by the Insurance Company. Normally this will be limited treatment such as physical therapy.
The treating doctor will either refer you for testing (e.g. MRI) or to a specialist (e.g. Orthopedic doctor). In the alternative, the treating doctor will refer you for an evaluation on MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement) and for an IR (Impairment Rating) rating. Usually, the treating doctor will give you restrictions to return to work with the restrictions. You should take these to your employer and see if the employer can accommodate the restrictions.
It is normal for the Return-to-Work restrictions, MMI and IR to be based on the insurance company’s initially “Compensable'' injury and limited treatment. The law provides a mechanism to dispute these findings from the doctors mentioned above and that is with a Designated Doctor.
Upon filling out the proper form and submitting it to the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) a doctor that is supposed to be independent both all parties is assigned to conduct an exam and rate your injury. This is called a Designated Doctor (DD) and what this opinion is especially important and has “presumptive weight” in determining what your condition is, further treatment, and further money benefits. Since the interview with the doctor will be brief, be honest, mention your condition, do not exaggerate, and mention all body areas that have been affected by the injury. Do not exaggerate or minimize your injuries.
In short, yes a Designated Doctor may approve or recommend for a patient to return to work.
An injured worker will initially see a treating doctor that accepts Workers’ Compensation cases from the employer’s insurance company. This doctor will make an initial diagnosis and provide treatment based on ODG Guidelines and the injury that is rated “Compensable'' by the Insurance Company. Normally this will be limited treatment such as physical therapy.
The treating doctor will either refer you for testing (e.g. MRI) or to a specialist (e.g. Orthopedic doctor). In the alternative, the treating doctor will refer you for an evaluation on MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement) and for an IR (Impairment Rating) rating. Usually, the treating doctor will give you restrictions to return to work with the restrictions. You should take these to your employer and see if the employer can accommodate the restrictions.
It is normal for the Return-to-Work restrictions, MMI and IR to be based on the insurance company’s initially “Compensable'' injury and limited treatment. The law provides a mechanism to dispute these findings from the doctors mentioned above and that is with a Designated Doctor.
Upon filling out the proper form and submitting it to the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) a doctor that is supposed to be independent both all parties is assigned to conduct an exam and rate your injury. This is called a Designated Doctor (DD) and what this opinion is especially important and has “presumptive weight” in determining what your condition is, further treatment, and further money benefits. Since the interview with the doctor will be brief, be honest, mention your condition, do not exaggerate, and mention all body areas that have been affected by the injury. Do not exaggerate or minimize your injuries.
In short, yes a Designated Doctor may approve or recommend for a patient to return to work.
If you still have any questions, feel free to contact us. We are happy to assist you by phone, text, or email.
