IME Doctor Agrees With My Doctor (What Happens Now?)

So, you just found out the IME doctor agrees with your treating doctor. 

First off, breathe easy. That’s some of the best news you could hope for in your claim. 

IMEs (Independent Medical Exams) can be nerve-wracking, especially when you know the insurance company picked the doctor. But if that doctor ends up backing your own doctor’s opinion, you’re in a much stronger position than most people find themselves in.

In this post, we’ll go over what it actually means, what changes now, and is there still anything to worry about (spoiler: not much, but a few things to stay smart about).

Why IME Appointments Matter So Much

IME appointments might seem routine, but they can totally shift the direction of your case. 

These exams are usually scheduled by the insurance company, and they’re not just doing it for fun. The goal is often to double-check (or challenge) your doctor’s findings, like how bad your injury is, how long you’ll need treatment, and if you’re fit to return to work.

The problem is, a lot of people walk out of IMEs feeling frustrated. 

Some say the exams feel rushed or that the doctor barely listened. Others find their benefits suddenly cut or their condition downplayed right after the IME report comes out. 

It’s no surprise people stress about it.

So when you hear, the IME doctor agrees with your doctor, you’re already ahead of the game.

Also Read: Settlement For Faulty Knee Replacement

Is It Good If An IME Doctor Agrees With My Doctor?

Yes, it’s great! In fact, it’s about as good as it gets when it comes to anything involving an IME. 

Your injury and treatment plan are now backed by two doctors and not just your own, so insurance companies have less reason to challenge your claim.

This also builds credibility if your case ever ends up in court or before a judge.

That agreement acts like a seal of approval. It tells the insurance company your case is legit. And that can lead to faster decisions and fewer obstacles.

Plus, you get to avoid the classic “he said, she said” battle between experts.

What This Means For Your Workers’ Comp Case

If you’re dealing with a workers’ comp claim, this kind of agreement can really move things along. The IME doctor confirming your injuries and treatment plan can help get your benefits approved faster and keep them going longer.

Also Read: Workers’ Comp Adjuster Tricks

You’re more likely to:

• Get your medical treatments authorized without delays.
  
• Keep getting wage replacement benefits if you’re still out of work.
  
• Avoid constant back-and-forths about your condition or ability to return.

It also means your claim may not need to go through a hearing or formal dispute process. When both sides’ medical experts are saying the same thing, there’s just less to argue about. 

That can save you a ton of time and stress.

What This Means For A Personal Injury Case

Now if you’re in a personal injury case (like after a car accident, slip and fall, or something similar) having both doctors agree is a big win too.

Why? Because injury claims often turn into battles of credibility. 

The insurance company might try to say your injury isn’t that bad, or that you don’t need more treatment, or that your pain is from a past injury. But if their own doctor says your doctor’s assessment is correct? That undercuts their argument in a major way.

This kind of medical agreement can:

• Give your lawyer solid footing to push for a better settlement.
  
• Shut down lowball offers based on “lack of medical proof.”
  
• Help speed up negotiations because there’s less room for debate.

Basically, it adds weight to your side of the story and makes your case a lot harder to poke holes in.

Also Read: How long after discovery is settlement?

What You Should Still Keep An Eye On

Even with good news from the IME, there are still a few things to stay on top of. 

First, make sure you get a copy of the actual IME report and that it matches what you were told. 

Sometimes what sounds positive in conversation doesn’t come across as clearly in writing. Double-checking helps you avoid surprises later. 

Also, don’t let up on your treatment plan. Keep going to appointments, follow doctor’s orders, and make sure everything is documented. Insurance companies love to jump on missed visits or gaps in care. 

And just because the IME doctor agrees now, it doesn’t mean the insurance company won’t try to throw in a curveball later.

So stay alert, keep records, and speak up if anything feels off.

Can The Insurance Company Still Fight My Case?

Technically, yes, they still can. But it’s a much steeper hill for them to climb.

Even with two doctors on the same page, the insurance company might try to argue about other parts of your case. For example:

• They might claim your injury happened outside of work (in workers’ comp cases).
  
• They could say a pre-existing condition is responsible for your symptoms.
  
• They might push to stop treatment early, even though both doctors agreed—for cost reasons.

But their usual tactics don’t hit as hard when their own doctor backs you up. It puts them on shakier ground and gives your side a ton of leverage.

If they do keep pushing, it’s usually more about trying to cut costs than actually having a strong case. That’s when having a good lawyer can really help push back.

Bottom Line

You should feel good if the IME doctor agrees with your doctor. 

That’s a green light in a process that often feels full of roadblocks. It means your injury, your care, and your need for benefits are all validated by both sides.

It doesn’t guarantee a perfect outcome, and you’ll still need to stay alert. But it gives you momentum and makes it way easier to hold the insurance company accountable. 

Just keep showing up, keep following your doctor’s advice, and don’t be afraid to speak up if anything feels off.