You probably already know this, but there is a list of things that mds. have to complete when doing any eval.  You see the same stuff with ever IME you will have.  I know , I have had probably 15 in the las 13 years.  If you feel like doing research you can start with the state division of w/c and find out what an IME is supposed to cover.  Then there are web sites that give you info as to why they ask things like the final question, that always is how much do you receive in benefits.  You probably know, but that question is supposed to help determine if financial reasons could have an affect on your desire to return to employment.  Sort of like malingering for money.  I found some of the info really helped me prepare my answers in an honest way but phrase it just the way it needed to be heard.  Shrinks also have these check lists that they circle levels and other crap and there are a number of tests that they use to eval you.  So many of them.  Some are tests to measure malingering.  You just wouldn't believe.  Also, some of the level 2 mds teach class to other mds trying to get their accredited level 2 so that they can get on the IME list.  They are all taught tricks of the trade, but there are always some great docs with the level 2 .  It just kind of helps a little to know what you are up against if you draw a bad apple.  I;ve read some of these things in papers that deal with a real negative approach.  They use terms like getting a patient to "tell their tale of suffering".  Those kinds of seminars must really attract mds looking for a w/c sugar tit.  Oh, God, did I say that?  Yeah and it felt good.

 

Sometimes I think that someone should put together info for people suffering from debilitating illnesses ,but  not to play a dangerous game of outwitting an md.  That is really dangerous and why would someone who is ill really want to do that?  I drains a sick person of energy they just don't have..  Just something that will help keep a person from falling into being the only one in the process that doesn't know the rules of the game.  Too many good trusting people get really hurt.  Illness is a business liabilityThere is absolutely no way to get around that, I guess.

 

The family history generally and life's events can be tied in to preexisting depression.  We all know HIPPA really protects sharing of any of our medical info with uninvolved parties.  But, w/c is not bound these rules.  They see it all.  Employers, if I got this correctly, have access to your treatment and diagnosis.  I think it can all be shared.  That's what got me really hot.  To think that 13 years ago, my supervisor was privy to some of the info.  I know she was because she told my co workers about the  diagnosis of rsd/crps being considered as possible raynaud's.  My awsome attorney told her that if she discussed my info with co workers that we would take legal action.

 

I have a shrink that is not a w/c pimp.  I count my blessings.  I trust him and he notes info w/c needs but most of what we discuss never ends in the notes.  The depression secondary to pain is the theme because it is the one thing w/c understands and the thing I need to assure that my meds are continued without interruption.

 

If I sound like I am on my soap box, I guess I am.  I just really feel angry for you.

 

Be prepared in any way you can.