Independent Medical Examination (IME): What to Expect in Utah

The insurance company sends you a letter: you must attend an "Independent Medical Examination" with their doctor. The name suggests neutrality. Reality: the insurer picks and pays the doctor, and the report often disagrees with your treating physician at every turn.

Here\'s what to expect — and how to come out of it with your case intact.

The short version

• An IME is a one-time exam by a doctor chosen and paid by the insurance company.
• Utah law allows the insurer to require this; refusing without cause can suspend your benefits.
• The IME doctor reviews your records and examines you, then writes a report on causation, treatment, MMI, and impairment.
• The report often shrinks your case. You can dispute it with your treating doctor or a Labor Commission IME.

What happens at an IME

Typical sequence:

1. You receive a notice with date, time, and doctor — usually 30+ minute drive.
2. You arrive 15 min early, fill out forms about your symptoms and history.
3. The doctor takes a history — what happened, where it hurts, how it affects your life.
4. Physical exam — range of motion, strength, reflexes, observation of how you move.
5. Doctor writes a report (1–4 weeks later) sent to the insurance company.
6. You and your attorney get a copy if requested.

Total time: 30–90 minutes.

What the IME doctor is looking for

Different goals than your treating doctor:

• Causation — can they argue the injury was pre-existing, degenerative, or from outside work?
• Symptom magnification — do you exaggerate? Inconsistencies between history and exam?
• MMI — push the date earlier to stop TTD
• Impairment — assign the lowest defensible rating
• Surgery / treatment — argue against expensive procedures

How to prepare

1. Review your own records first

Know your timeline: injury date, doctors seen, treatments tried, surgeries, MRIs, current medications. Inconsistency is the IME doctor\'s favorite finding.

2. Bring documentation

List of medications. Current physical therapy log. Your latest doctor\'s notes. Any test results not already shared.

3. Be honest, complete, and brief

Answer what\'s asked. Don\'t volunteer extra. Don\'t exaggerate. Don\'t minimize. Specific examples beat general complaints — "I can\'t lift my 30-pound toolbox without sharp pain" beats "my back hurts all the time."

4. Bring a witness if allowed

Utah doesn\'t guarantee a witness, but you can request one. Some IME doctors allow a spouse or attorney in the room. Always worth asking.

5. Document the visit yourself

Right after the exam, write down what was asked, what you said, what the doctor did. Time stamped. Saves your case if the report misrepresents the visit.

What if the IME report destroys your case?

1. Get your treating doctor\'s rebuttal. A written response addressing the IME\'s findings carries weight.
2. Request a Labor Commission IME. If the dispute is significant, the Commission can order a third doctor — usually more neutral.
3. Get a second opinion at your own expense. $500 spent here can recover thousands in PPD.
4. Hire an attorney. IME disputes are technical and benefit from someone who has seen many of them.

Common IME mistakes

Mistake 1: Skipping the IME

Refusing without legal cause suspends your benefits. If you can\'t make the date, formally request rescheduling in writing.

Mistake 2: Inconsistency

Saying "I can\'t lift a gallon of milk" then carrying groceries on surveillance video destroys your credibility. Be consistent.

Mistake 3: Not getting the report

You have the right to a copy. Request it in writing within 30 days. Without seeing it you can\'t dispute it.

Run your real case numbers

Whatever the IME says, your case value still depends on AWW, weeks off, impairment, and medical reserves. Run the math on the CVR Quick Calculator with your treating doctor\'s numbers, not the IME\'s. That\'s your baseline for negotiation.