Your workers’ compensation claim heavily relies on the opinion of your doctor. This medical professional determines your treatment plan, work restrictions, and the long-term implications of your injury. It is crucial to provide your treating physician with accurate information to form an unbiased opinion. However, it’s important to note that your doctor has two competing interests in mind—the insurer and the injured worker.
As an injured worker, you want to ensure you receive the necessary treatment to return to normalcy. While the workers’ compensation insurance company may share that goal, they may also seek conservative opinions that do not address all your medical needs. They may even push you to return to work prematurely. It is crucial to choose your words carefully when speaking to your doctor. Seeking advice from experts in workers’ compensation law is recommended.
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What You Shouldn’t Tell Your Workers’ Comp Doctor
Here are a few things you should never say to your workers’ comp doctor, regardless of whether you’re seeking a second opinion:
- Never lie about prior injuries, pre-existing conditions, or medical history.
- Never lie about the extent of your workplace injury or how it occurred.
- Avoid exaggerating your symptoms, including pain or functionality.
- Do not delay seeking medical treatment as it may worsen your condition and reduce chances of full recovery.
- Do not stop treatment before being fully recovered.
It’s essential to be honest with your treating doctor and the employer’s insurance company. Falsifying symptoms (malingering) or downplaying them is ill-advised. Your medical records contain your complete medical history, and falsely denying or downplaying prior injuries will damage your credibility. When a doctor cannot trust what you say, they may provide inadequate medical care.
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Remember, your ultimate goal is to return to work as fully functional as possible. Being honest with your treating doctor and receiving appropriate medical care will aid in achieving that goal.
About Independent Medical Exams
In many cases, an independent medical examination (IME) serves as a second opinion. The employer’s insurance carrier frequently requests an IME when you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) to assess the extent of your injuries. MMI does not imply full recovery, but rather a condition where further improvement is unlikely given the circumstances.
During an IME, your functional limitations are evaluated to determine how your work injury has impacted your job performance. The IME doctor considers factors such as pain level, range of motion, and the injury’s overall impact on your life. Their analysis typically covers:
- The extent of your injury.
- The cause of the injury.
- Additional treatment requirements.
The insurance company can request an IME every six months. Given the significance of the IME doctor’s opinion in your workers’ comp case, it is crucial to be transparent and honest during the examination.
Make sure to explain all your symptoms and limitations accurately without exaggeration. Providing the doctor with complete and precise information increases the likelihood of a fair assessment.
What You Should Tell Your Workers’ Compensation Doctor
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Being truthful with your doctor is vital to safeguard your workers’ comp claim. In some cases, if a dispute arises and a workers’ compensation judge needs to make a decision, your credibility will influence the outcome. If your medical records indicate dishonesty regarding previous conditions or an exaggeration of symptoms, the judge is less likely to rule in your favor.
Conversely, it is essential to inform your doctor about all symptoms, pain, and other issues, even if you don’t believe they are directly related to your work injury. Do not downplay anything, as you may be surprised by how significantly your work injury affects various aspects of your life.
When conversing with your doctor, be thorough and honest. To ensure appropriate treatment and physical therapy, provide practical examples and accurately describe your work-related injury, including pain and any limitations you experience.
Seek Advice From a Workers Compensation Attorney
After a work accident, consult a workers’ comp lawyer for legal guidance on what to disclose to your medical provider as you navigate the workers’ compensation system.
At our law firm, we have handled countless cases similar to yours, and we can help you communicate effectively with your treating doctor. Feel free to explore our resources for more information, and contact us for a free consultation with a workers’ comp attorney to discuss your case.
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