AME

[jimmyo1]

Hello everyone,

I received a letter from my attorney yesterday, stating that I have an appointment with a AME in Feburary. Why so long? AT that time it will be one year since my injury. Is it because possibly my injury may have improved?

[chrischris]

Hi Jimmy 01, When an AME (Agreed Medical Examiner) is picked by your attorney and defense, the appt. is made by defense and you are usually notified no less than 30 days prior to the appt.

Depending on circumstances, such as the speciality of the AME, or how far the AME is scheduled out, will determine your appt. date.

The AME makes no patient/doctor relationship with you. He/she will review all your medical records; past and present; statements, subrosa if any. He/she will have a face-to-face interview with you and explain the purpose of the AME. The face-to-face has to be a certain amount of time, depending on the injury. It can be anywhere from 20 mins. to 3 hrs. He/she will ask you questions and take notes. If the injury is psychological, you will be given a series of written psychological exams.

That's it! The AME will make a report to defense, with a copy to your attorney within 4-6 weeks.

My AME appt. was 16 months after my injury, and the report came back 100% work related.

Hope this helps some.

[1171]

Doctors who opinions both sides will agree to and is also considered credible by the work comp court are not common and therefore in great demand. the appointment date the doctor has made available has noting to do with you or your condition.
P.s the doctor is probably writing reports for appointments they had last May and June; your report probably won't be ready until next june.
The legal system requires many steps from very busy people so it takes an extended period for anything to get done.

I assume you are in california--you should update your profile.

[sparkey]

Well from what I was told here in NH that it has to be at least a year after your injury to have a Impairment rating. Mine was at 10 1/2 months which they say was close enough. I think that being that it will fall exactly a year since your injury, and the fact that they do give you a 30 day notice is not a bad time at all to have your AME.


Also remember this doctor is paid from the IC to look over the notes of your injury and make their determination of what they feel your injury is and if being rated, their rating amount. This record from their doctor will pretty much tell what your case will be such as treatments, paying for medications, awards and is used to help the IC determine if your injury is work related etc.

When I went to court over a rating dispute and medications, they found the IC doctor more credible. Someone that saw me only 10 mins. as apposed to my treating doctors.