How To Ensure Your IME is Compliant with Section 137

In order for an Independent Medical Examination (IME) report to be compliant with Section 137 of the Workers’ Compensation Law, a copy of each report must be submitted by the practitioner on the same day and to the Board, the insurance carrier, the claimant’s attending physician or practitioner, the claimant’s representatives, and the claimant themselves in the same manner (WCL Section 137(1)(a)). “If a practitioner who has performed or will be performing an independent medical examination of a claimant receives a request for …

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Fruit of the Poisonous IME: Avoiding IME Preclusion

Independent medical examinations are often the only evidence a carrier can rely on when litigating medical issues. As much as avoiding a situation where an IME is precluded for not complying with the strict requirements of Section 137 is ideal, from time to time it happens, and it is best to have a plan for moving forward. If the medical issue is ongoing, such as degree of disability or need for further treatment, the best thing to do is to schedule another IME as soon …

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