Independent
medical examination -
IME location appeal
If
you object to the location of an IME, you may appeal to the Workers'
Compensation Division (WCD). You must appeal within six business
days from the postmarked date the appointment notice was mailed
to you.
How
to appeal by:
Phone:
Toll-free: 800-452-0288
Salem Office: 503-947-7590
In
person: Second floor of the Labor & Industries Building,
350 Winter St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
**Remember,
you must appeal within six business days of the postmarked
date of the appointment notice. If you wait too long, we cannot
issue an order that the location is unreasonable.**
Here's
How It Works:
You
explain to WCD the reasons you object to the location of the IME.
Remember, the objection must be related to the location of the exam,
and you must have either a medical reason for not being able to travel
to the exam, or you must demonstrate other good cause that the travel
is unreasonable. The medical reason does not necessarily have to be
related to your work-related injury, but we must be able to verify
with your doctor that you are restricted from traveling to the exam,
and that alternative methods of travel will not overcome those restrictions.
We will review your objection and either help you and the insurer
reach an agreement about the location, or we will issue an order about
the reasonableness of the required travel. If we order that the required
travel is reasonable, you must attend the exam or your benefits might
be suspended. If we order that the required travel is not reasonable,
the insurer must reschedule the exam if they still want you to attend
an IME. Also, if we order that the required travel is unreasonable
and your claim has not yet been accepted or denied, the insurer will
be allowed 90 days instead of 60 days to either accept or deny your
claim.
If you cannot attend the IME for any other reason besides the location
of the exam, you should immediately call the person who is handling
your claim for your insurance company. The claims adjuster may be
able to make other arrangements for your IME exam, but they are not
required to do so.
If you have questions about the information contained in this document, please contact
Wendy Stone, 503-947-7583.
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