If you are the employer/carrier it can be frustrating when you schedule the claimant for an Independent Medical Examination and they fail to appear for the scheduled examination. It can be even more frustrating if the carrier is under Board direction to continue awards.
The first thing you should do is verify that the notice of examination was sent to the claimant’s correct mailing address. Often, the reason why the claimant did not appear for the IME you or the vendor scheduled is because the notice informing them of the examination was sent to the wrong address.
If the notice was sent to the correct address, then you should file an RFA-2 requesting the Board schedule the case for a hearing. Indicate on the RFA-2 that awards and/or medical benefits to the claimant should be suspended due to their failure to appear for a scheduled IME.
Important note: If the carrier is currently paying the claimant awards under direction of the WCB, the carrier cannot suspend benefits without the approval of the Board.
