If you’ve been injured at work, while you could be eligible for a workers’ compensation claim, the insurance company may want a second opinion on your diagnosis. Danny Hernandez, MD, CIME, at DWH Medical Center in Allentown and Quakertown, Pennsylvania, is board-certified to provide both independent medical examinations (IMEs) and impairment rating evaluations (IREs). Call Dr. Hernandez’s office or schedule an appointment online today for prompt reports and on-site depositions.

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What are common workplace injuries?

While there are many potential workplace injuries, slip-and-fall accidents are the most common cause. Machinery and vehicles also cause a significant amount of accidents and injuries. You may also end up with a repetitive use or overexertion injury.

What are IMEs and IREs for a workers’ compensation claim?

IMEs and IREs are exams provided by independent medical examiners to fulfill an insurance company’s assessment of your injury and its impact on your life.

An IME is an independent medical exam that’s requested when the insurance company wants a second opinion on your injury from a neutral doctor. An IRE is an evaluation of how your injury is impairing your life, mobility, and ability to do your job.

Your regular doctor should send your medical records to Dr. Hernandez before your IME or IRE appointment. During the exam, Dr. Hernandez assesses your condition. As an independent physician, his role is to confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan.

What should I expect during a workers’ compensation medical exam?

Your IME and IRE exams are similar to assessments you have with your regular or treating doctor. Dr. Hernandez talks to you about your injury and your symptoms, taking your deposition while you’re in his office. He performs a physical exam and may ask you to walk around or guide you through gentle movements and stretches to gauge any mobility issues. Dr. Hernandez may perform other tests to collect as much information as possible about your condition.

After your exams, Dr. Hernandez completes the required paperwork and files the necessary reports quickly so your claim can be reviewed and processed quickly.

Why do I need a medical exam for my workers’ compensation claim?

In some cases, the insurance company may have questions about your diagnosis and treatment. The insurance company orders IMEs to get a neutral second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment plan. Dr. Hernandez provides IMEs and IREs to help settle disputes quickly and with accurate medical diagnoses.

If you need an IME or IRE for your workers’ compensation claim, call DWH Medical Center or schedule an appointment online today for a fair and unbiased medical assessment of your injury by Dr. Hernandez.