The Insurance Carrier Sent Me a Notice Saying That I Have to See a Specific Doctor on a Specific Date. Do I Have To Go to That Appointment? What Is That?

Yes, you do.  That notice, which should have come in a form labeled “IME-5” is an IME notice, or Independent Medical Examination.  The Carrier can request that you see an IME so that they can get a second opinion regarding your doctor’s medical evaluation of your condition.  Although these IMEs are supposed to be independent, in reality they represent the interests of the insurance companies and will most likely not know much about your case, or even examine you thoroughly.  Independent of how awful that examination goes, the Carrier has the right to rely on their IME’s opinion and if that opinion is different than that of your doctors’, your attorney will have to depose both doctors in order to demonstrate that your doctor is the more credible one.  Until the Judge makes a final decision regarding which medical opinion best reflects your current situation, the Carrier can pay you according to the IME’s opinion.  If the IME says you are not disabled at all, that will mean you will not receive benefits until the Judge rules otherwise.