Help! Need advice RE: IME

[blondeez]

I am a brand new case manager who is attending an IME with an I.O. in the am. I was just told I need to present a letter to the physician. What are the vital components. I have no resources on this, and nobody I can call. Any advise on the letter or anything else is greatly appreciated! Please help!

[pediatriclpn]

I am on WC here in PA. What is and I.O.? In PA, we do not have to let the nurse case manager into the room with us when the doctor is examining us. IMO, the IME's are a waste of time and money. Nothing against you, you are earning your living. I don't have a case manager assigned to me, but if I did my lawyer would advise me also to not allow her in. I always take a witness with me. Personally, I can't stand the whole WC system. Your employer should have a template or a letter of some sort introducing you as their employee. The doctor and his staff would probably be nicer to you than the injured worker.

[blondeez]

I can appreciate your opinion. The I.O. stands for injured worker. Unfortunately, I was not provided with any templates or resources. I do not go in the exam room during the IME, which was authorized due to an exhaustion of all alternatives. I have done all sorts of nrsg, and definately had hesitations going into work comp. I can pleasantly say, it has been rewarding, and I can definately see the need for nurses in such. I have assisted my clients in receiving quality care, decreased pain, and of course, not only a RTW, but a return to life. I feel the system would be much more tolerable for everybody if nurses were hired more often! Hope you get feeling better!

[lindarn]

I can appreciate your opinion. The I.O. stands for injured worker. Unfortunately, I was not provided with any templates or resources. I do not go in the exam room during the IME, which was authorized due to an exhaustion of all alternatives. I have done all sorts of nrsg, and definately had hesitations going into work comp. I can pleasantly say, it has been rewarding, and I can definately see the need for nurses in such. I have assisted my clients in receiving quality care, decreased pain, and of course, not only a RTW, but a return to life. I feel the system would be much more tolerable for everybody if nurses were hired more often! Hope you get feeling better!

I am a Legal Nurse Consultant, and I have attended IME/DME exams for the attorney who the injured person has hired. I do this as part of personal injury law suits.

I have made my self a worksheet to take along, and I just fill in the blanks. I have audiotaped and videotaped the exams that I have attended, at the request of the attorney. You do have to have permission to do this.

Why don't you go into the room where they are doing the exam? That is why you are there. To observe it, and make sure that nothing is done, that isn't supposed to be done. You are there as a patient advocate, as well as to record the exam. The "AALNC Principles and Practice", has a chapter on IME's. Try to get ahold of a copy and read it.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington