If a worker fails to attend the IME, what is a possible course of action?

When a worker fails to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME), the appropriate course of action can involve taking steps to address this noncompliance, which is why requesting a suspension of benefits from the Workers' Compensation Division (WCD) or seeking a penalty is a viable option.

The purpose of the IME is to obtain an objective assessment of the worker's condition, which is crucial for determining ongoing eligibility for benefits. If the worker fails to attend the IME, it raises questions about their commitment to the claims process and the validity of their claims. Consequently, the insurer may need to safeguard their interests by either suspending the benefits temporarily or asking for penalties as a way to encourage compliance with the examination requirement. This underlines the importance of participation in the claims process for both the worker and the insurer.

The other options do not effectively address the implications of the worker not attending the IME. Simply issuing a warning may not provide a sufficient deterrent or resolution, filing a report against the worker does not practically change the benefits situation, and stopping the claim process entirely would be excessively punitive and impractical as it overlooks the necessary due process within the claims framework.