When dealing with a workers’ comp doctor in Michigan, never lie about your medical history, exaggerate symptoms, or downplay your current pain. Avoid speculating about your recovery timeline and never discuss legal issues, settlements, or your attorney with the doctor. The doctor’s notes go directly to the insurance company and can make or break your claim.
What Not To Say To A Workers’ Comp Doctor In Michigan
- “I’m fine” or “I’m okay”: It is a common polite reflex but never tell the doctor you are fine when asked how you are doing. Always be specific about your pain, stiffness, or functional limitations on that specific day.
- “I think I’ll be back to work in a week”: Never speculate about your recovery time or return-to-work date. Let your treating physician determine your status — not your own optimism.
- “I never had issues with my back/knee/shoulder before”: Do not hide pre-existing conditions or prior injuries. The insurance company will obtain your medical records and lying about your history will destroy your credibility.
- Complaints about your employer: Keep frustrations about your boss or working conditions to yourself. Discussing how unfair your employer is shifts the medical focus and can make you appear combative or biased.
- “My lawyer said…”: Do not bring up legal strategy, settlements, or workers’ comp claims. The doctor is there to evaluate your medical condition, not to act as a claims adjuster or legal advisor.
- Minimizing your symptoms: Do not downplay pain to appear strong. If you underreport symptoms, the doctor’s notes will reflect that — and the insurance company will use it to justify reducing or stopping your benefits.
- Anything about your settlement: Never discuss the value of your claim, what you hope to receive, or any ongoing negotiations. This information has no place in a medical examination.
Best Practices for Your Workers’ Comp Doctor Appointment in Michigan
- Be accurate, not dramatic: Exaggerating pain will backfire if diagnostic tests contradict your claims. Be truthful about how the injury affects your day-to-day life at home and at work.
- Describe your worst days: When asked about your pain levels, make sure the doctor understands what you experience during your most difficult moments — not just how you feel while resting in the exam room.
- Report all symptoms: Do not ignore minor aches. Mention every part of your body that hurts, even if one area is worse than others. Symptoms left out of the report cannot be claimed later.
- Know your history: Before the appointment, refresh your memory on the date of the accident, what you were doing when it occurred, how symptoms developed, and what treatment you have received.
- Never record without permission: Michigan law does not permit a claimant to make an audio recording of an IME without consent. Attempting to do so can be used as grounds to suspend benefits.
What happens at a workers’ comp IME doctor appointment in Michigan?
A workers’ comp IME doctor appointment in Michigan typically takes less than 15 minutes and can be intrusive. The physician will ask personal questions and do a physical examination. It is natural to get defensive in this situation but remember anything that you say can be used to justify a dispute. If you try to be evasive and say you don’t remember how the accident occurred, it can lead to problems. We recommend taking some time before the examination and refreshing your memory. Make sure to give a correct history about getting hurt. Know the date of accident, approximate time, activities being performed when it occurred, and what treatment you have had. Explain how symptoms are now keeping you from working.
Why honesty about pre-existing conditions matters
It is also important to be honest about any preexisting medical conditions. We do not recommend lying about treatment from years ago because it might not even be relevant to your claim. The insurance company is going to get a copy of your medical records and can usually find out anyways. Never lie because it can hurt your credibility.
Can I record the workers’ comp IME doctor visit without permission in Michigan?
No. In Michigan, you cannot record a workers’ comp IME doctor visit without permission. Attorneys and family members are also not permitted in the examination room. You will be asked to bring medical records and diagnostic imaging such as CT scans or MRI films. Failure to cooperate or obstructing the exam can be used as grounds to suspend your benefits.
How to challenge a biased workers’ comp IME doctor report in Michigan
After your appointment, the workers’ comp IME doctor will generate a written report sent directly to the insurance company. These reports frequently conclude that you have fully recovered or can return to work — even when you cannot. Do not be rude or confrontational during the exam as this will be noted in the report. Challenge any biased IME report in court using your treating physician’s records and opinions. A magistrate will ultimately decide whether benefits should continue.
What should you not say to a workers comp doctor in Michigan?
Never tell a workers’ comp doctor you are fine, speculate about your return-to-work date, hide pre-existing conditions, complain about your employer, or discuss your legal strategy or settlement. The doctor’s notes go directly to the insurance company and will be used to evaluate your claim.
Can a workers’ comp ime doctor stop my benefits in Michigan?
Yes. In Michigan, an IME report that says you have fully recovered or can return to work can be used by the insurance company to suspend or reduce your benefits. You have the right to challenge a biased IME report in court using your own treating physician’s records and opinions.
Do I have to attend a IME exam?
Yes. Michigan law requires anyone claiming workers’ comp benefits to submit to an IME — an independent medical examination ordered by the employer or its insurance carrier. Failure to cooperate or obstructing the exam can be used as justification to suspend benefits.
Injured while on-the-job in Michigan need help with your claim? Contact our attorneys now for a free consultaiton
If you were injured while on the job in Michigan and have questions about your work injury claim or if you have questions on what not to say to your Michigan workers’ comp doctor, call us now, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. Our attorneys are here for you.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers throughout the state for more than 40 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand our state’s workplace injury laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job.
To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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