When you file a worker's compensation claim, the company's insurance carrier may ask you to attend an independent medical exam. While this may seem like the insurance company doubting your claim, the truth is that it's just a method of obtaining an additional evaluation of your condition. In most cases, the doctor is chosen by the insurance company, and he or she provides a full report to the insurance carrier. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this process with ease and confidence.

Put Everything On Paper

One thing that many people struggle with during these exams is remembering all of the details of the accident and the injury. When you're faced with an unfamiliar doctor and the pressure of your claim riding on the exam, it can be intimidating. The day before your appointment, make time to write down all of the necessary details of the accident, your treatment, your doctor's testing and any other information that's applicable to the claim.

Review the document several times to ensure that you're not forgetting any important details. Make sure you include any information about things such as activities that cause pain and any future treatments you may be facing. Ensure that the information you provide is accurate, because the insurance company can deny your claim if you provide information that is incorrect or incomplete.

Do the same thing during your appointment. Don't expect that you'll automatically remember everything when the appointment is over. Instead, write down anything that the doctor says or asks about so that you have a record of it later. If the doctor performs any tests, make a note of that as well.

Focus On Your Claim

An independent medical exam gives the doctor a chance to assess your injuries as they relate to the accident and your claim. Don't provide information about other medical issues unless they directly apply to the situation at hand. If there is a pre-existing condition that's affected by the injury, you should make sure that you inform the doctor of that, but note that a pre-existing condition may reduce the award you receive, because it can be difficult to differentiate problems caused by that condition as compared to those caused by the accident.

Understand Your Legal Rights

Familiarize yourself with your legal rights as they apply to the medical examination. Understand what the doctor can legally ask you about, and ensure that all of the questions you answer are focused solely on those things. The doctor can only ask you about things that directly apply to the injury, your symptoms, your treatment and other related information. He or she should not interrogate you about the accident itself or how it happened. If the doctor asks you a question like this, advise him or her to discuss those things with your attorney.

To learn more, contact a company like UMC Medical Consultants, P.C.

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