What is true about Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) in the context of workers' compensation claims?

Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) play a crucial role in workers' compensation claims as they provide unbiased medical assessments of an employee's injuries and their potential impact on their ability to work. A key aspect of IMEs is that the findings can indeed be shared with the insurance company. This sharing of information is a vital component of the claims process, as it allows both the insurer and the injured party to understand the medical conditions being evaluated and how they pertain to the claim.

The assessment is intended to provide an objective opinion about the extent of the injuries, the necessary medical treatment, and whether the injuries are work-related. By making the findings available to the insurance company, they can make informed decisions regarding claim approvals, benefit calculations, and other pertinent actions related to the claim process.

When considering the other options, it is important to note that IMEs do not establish a doctor-patient relationship between the examiner and the injured worker, as the examination is not for the purpose of ongoing medical treatment. While certain aspects of the examination may have confidentiality provisions, particularly with respect to the details of the claimant’s medical history, the results of the IME are typically shared with insurance and relevant parties involved in the claim. Lastly, IMEs are not