Workers CompPosted by hopefulPolicyholder962

Workers comp scheduled an IME with a doctor 2 hours away who doesn't take my insurance otherwise. Can I refuse or pick someone else?

Hurt my lower back in October lifting a pallet at the warehouse I work at. Two MRIs, one ESI, and a referral to a surgeon later, the carrier is now scheduling me for an "independent medical exam" with an orthopedist 2 hours from my house. Quick search shows this doctor has done hundreds of IMEs for the same insurer and not much else. Lots of complaints online about him siding with carriers no matter what.

My treating physician already wrote a clear functional capacity report. The IME feels like a fishing expedition to find a reason to cut off my wage benefits. The letter says if I don't show up they'll suspend my benefits.

Can I push back on the location, or ask for a different doctor? Do I have any rights to bring someone with me, or to record the exam? I'm in Pennsylvania if that matters. I really cannot lose the wage replacement right now, my wife is on maternity leave and we're stretched thin.

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Workers comp scheduled an IME with a doctor 2 hours away who doesn't take my insurance otherwise. Can I refuse or pick someone else? | ClaimCave