Any time you’re hurt on the job, you deserve an opportunity to seek compensation from your employer. You deserve to get the care you need to get on the path to recovery, and you deserve to be treated fairly.
In Pennsylvania, you should know that you will have to be examined by several physicians after an injury. You might see an urgent care or emergency physician, for example, as well as your own physician as you begin to recover. An Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) may be the next step.
What is an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE)?
You may have heard that you need to go through an IRE examination. IRE stands for Impairment Rating Evaluation, and it is a time when a physician looks over your case, examines you and determines the level of impairment you’re facing.
Who orders an IRE?
This medical exam is ordered by your workers’ compensation insurer or its representation. The goal of this examination is to determine if you have a whole-body impairment that has been caused by the work-related, compensable injury.
Who selects the IRE physician?
To choose an IRE physician, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will select an available physician close to your residence. You’ll be notified of the selection through the mail with the Notice of Designation. At that point, you should go to the appointment at the date and time selected.
Is an Impaired Rating Evaluation a bad thing?
No, but you need to understand that while this is an independent physician, the insurance company does have a lot of power. They may use the findings from the IRE physician to try to limit your benefits or payout. That is why it’s important to discuss the IRE examination ahead of time with your attorney and to make sure you understand its importance.
If you are concerned about the physician who was chosen or the IRE exam does not go the way you expected it to, then you may want to look into appealing certain decisions or requesting a different IRE physician due to the concerns you have about them and how they may treat your case.