A workplace injury can leave you worried about your health, income and recovery. If your employer’s insurance company asks you to attend a medical exam, you may feel unsure about what to expect. Connecticut law sets rules for these exams and explains what you need to do.
Know why your employer can request an exam
A workplace injury may raise questions about your condition and ability to return to work. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 31-294f, your employer or its workers’ compensation insurer can ask you to attend a medical exam with a doctor they select and pay for.
The doctor evaluates your injury and how it affects your ability to work. You can also have your own doctor attend the exam, but you must pay for that doctor yourself.
Know what happens if you miss the exam
If you cannot attend your scheduled exam, contact the insurer or the person who arranged it as soon as possible. Connecticut law explains the following consequences of refusing a reasonable medical examination:
- Your benefits may stop temporarily: Under § 31-294f, refusing a reasonable examination can suspend your right to workers’ compensation benefits while you continue to refuse.
- Explain why you cannot attend: If an illness, a scheduling conflict or another problem prevents you from attending, promptly explain the situation and ask to reschedule.
- Keep a record: Save appointment notices and any messages about a change in date. These records can help show that you tried to address the scheduling problem.
Do not ignore the appointment. If you have concerns about the request, contact the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission or seek legal advice before refusing to attend.
Understand how the medical report affects your claim
The doctor’s report can influence decisions about your workers’ compensation claim, but it does not automatically settle every dispute. Connecticut law requires the employer and you, or your lawyer to receive medical reports about your work injury within 30 days after the doctor completes them.
If the report conflicts with your treating doctor’s opinion, you can discuss the disagreement with your lawyer.
Your workers’ compensation benefits
An independent medical exam can affect your workers’ compensation claim and benefits. If you have concerns about the exam or disagree with the doctor’s findings, seek legal guidance to learn about your options and protect your rights.
