Forensic psychiatric IME question

Disability Insurance
1

Hi,

I have been assessed physically, a couple years ago by an IME doctor. The insurance company is now sending me for a psychiatric IME. The appointment is split into two. The first one is an evaluation by a forensic psychiatrist, virtually. A week later, a different doctor will assess me face to face and it will be a psychologist. Both appointments are booked for 4 hours. Has anybody had a forensic psychiatrist evaluate them? What does that even entail? Does forensic mean anything different as far as legality? This sounds like a hired gun to me. Am I over thinking this? Thank you.

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A bit more info needed… What is your medical disability?

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Officially diagnosed
Physical
Chronic pain with intermittent severe episodes of arthralgia and myalgia
Degenerative disc disease
L5/S1 fusion (did not help much)
Cardiomyopathy
COPD
NASH

Psychological
Major depression
Generalized Anxiety with social aspect
Paranoid personality traits

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So sorry to hear about your situation.

I believe they are using the term “forensic” because it’s not “treating” and being done as a contractual review/verification of your diagnosis. By saying forensic they are basically telling you they have hired someone to assess your mental state to see if your LTD contract applies from a medical perspective

Keep in mind an IME is always scheduled for the benefit of the insurance company. Regardless, may I suggest you do the following:

  1. Get in writing from the insurance company that all documentation, notes, and conclusions generated by the IME will be copied to your attending physician. Inform the IME psychiatrist/psychologist that their reports will be reviewed by your own medical team. Letting them know this might keep them honest.

  2. Get the names of the IME examiners ahead of time and google them. Their bios can tell you alot about what to expect from them.

  3. Try your best during the IME. If it becomes too much, don’t be afraid to say you need to stop the session and reschedule the remaining portion at a later time.

  4. They are not your treating medical team. Do not act on their medical advice without review and approval from your own medical team.

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Thank you buckets365! Such great contribution all over the forum. Grateful :smiling_face:

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I was sent to a psychiatrist years ago. He was okay. Nine months later i was sent to an occupational therapist for a two day evaluation. I had to do many tests. She was hostile.
I hope this helps.

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