What legal help can guide you through repeated insurer medical exams?

In summary: Insurers can arrange independent medical examinations as part of a claim. The letters can route through us, Maurice Blackburn can help you prepare for each appointment, and if a report doesn't match your experience there are ways to respond.

What should you know about insurer medical exams?

When an insurer keeps arranging medical appointments you didn’t ask for, it’s reasonable to want to know what they’re for. An insurer medical assessment, often called an independent medical examination, is an appointment the insurer arranges so a doctor can give an opinion about your injuries, treatment needs, work capacity or daily limits. The doctor doesn't treat you.

The insurer may use the report when making decisions about medical expenses, income support or other parts of your road accident claim. Each state runs its own scheme, the TAC in Victoria and CTP schemes in most other states, so advice should reflect where the accident happened. We handle road accident claims across Australia, except in New South Wales and South Australia.

Who can help with insurer assessments after a car accident?

Repeated medical assessments are something we deal with in road accident claims all the time. We can explain why the insurer arranged an assessment, what the appointment can involve, how to respond to insurer questions and what to consider if a report doesn't match your experience.

We'll also help you look at the broader claim, including treatment costs, lost income, care needs and whether another type of compensation could apply in your state. Exam notices, reports and follow-up letters can all route through us instead of landing on you. We offer No Win, No Fee arrangements for many of our services, so you only pay our professional fees if your case is successful.

How can you prepare for the next appointment?

Before you attend, read the appointment notice, check what documents to bring and write down the symptoms or limits you want to describe accurately. Keep copies of these as they arrive:

• appointment letters
• medical records
• work certificates
• notes about how your injuries affect travel, work and usual activities

We're here to help

Repeated exams don't have to be something you face on your own. We can explain what each assessment means for your claim and make sure your side of the story comes through clearly. If the exam letters keep coming, the free online claim check is a good next move, or call 1800 111 222 whenever it suits you.