Acquiring work-related injury can be traumatic for many people and may leave you with temporary or permanent disabilities. Soon after filing for a workers’ compensation claim, you will receive a notice from either your employer or the insurance company to attend an independent medical exam. You can go through this complete guide to workers’ comp in Virginia to know all the details about the workers’ compensation law and take the proper measures.
What is an independent medical exam?
Independent medical exams will be requested by the insurance company or the employer when they feel you are ready to go back to work. Often this exam leaves the victim anxious because the doctor for the exam is chosen and paid by your employer or the insurance company. However, note that your employer or the insurance company must give you a written notice before about the time, location, date, and the name of the doctor performing exam. In addition, the doctor’s clinic should be nearby and convenient to visit for the victim. The doctor is supposed to write a report about the exam and send it to the workers’ compensation insurance company.
Important points to remember during your medical exam
You may feel nervous about the entire exam as you do not know the doctor. The exam begins with talking about your medical history, injury, and the procedure. Here are a few things you should consider:
- Be honest about your injuries. Do not exaggerate or embellish your injuries. Explain all the details about your symptoms honestly.
- Avoid going alone to your exam. Take your friend or family with you who can note down the details.
- Ensure that you provide all the details the doctor asks for. Also, make sure that your doctor takes time to understand your medical condition.
- Remain calm and avoid being rude to the doctor.
- You should avoid taking medical advice from the doctor. Instead, you can continue to see your doctor for medical advice.
Once you return from the medical exam, make a report about all the details of your medical exam. Moreover, it would help if you visited your doctor the same day or soon after the exam to conduct your medical exam that can be used as evidence for your workers’ compensation claim.
Additionally, the medical exam is just one-time, and you are not obligated to revisit them. The sole purpose of the exam is to review your injuries and the treatment plan. Having the best workers’ compensation lawyer will help you fight for your rights.
