Brief Overview:In Nova Scotia, the party responsible for paying for an Independent Medical Examination (IME) varies depending on the situation. Here are five key facts regarding who pays for an IME in Nova Scotia:
1. Insured Individuals: When it comes to personal injury claims, insured individuals usually have their IME costs covered by their insurance companies.
2. Insurance Companies: In cases where there is a third-party claim, insurance companies typically pay for the IME expenses.
3. Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB NS): For workplace-related injuries or illnesses, WCB NS covers the cost of IMEs requested by them or related parties.
4. Legal Aid: If a person is eligible and approved for legal aid services in litigation matters involving personal injury claims, legal aid may cover some or all costs associated with obtaining an IME.
5. Private Arrangements: Sometimes, parties involved may decide to split or share the costs of an IME as part of their settlement negotiations.
Detailed FAQs and Answers:
Q1: Can I choose my own assessor for an IME?
A1: Generally, you cannot choose your own assessor in Nova Scotia unless specified otherwise in your specific case agreement.
Q2: How long does it take to schedule an IME appointment?
A2: The time frame may vary depending on factors such as assessors’ availability and appointment coordination between parties involved but generally takes several weeks.
Q3: What happens if I miss my scheduled IME appointment?
A3: Failing to attend a scheduled IME can have consequences like delayed assessments or potential refusal by assessors to reschedule at no additional cost.
Q4: Will transportation expenses be reimbursed when attending an out-of-town assessment?
A4: In most cases, transportation expenses are not covered unless stipulated otherwise in specific agreements between parties involved.
Q5: Can I bring someone with me to the IME appointment?
A5: It is generally not permitted to have additional individuals present during your IME unless exceptional circumstances are approved by all parties involved.
Q6: What if I need special accommodations for my IME appointment?
A6: If you require specific accommodations due to disability or any other valid reason, it is advisable to inform the examiner and relevant parties well in advance to make suitable arrangements.
Q7: Can an insurance company request multiple IMEs for one claim?
A7: Yes, an insurance company has the right to request multiple IMEs from different assessors if they believe further information is needed or discrepancies exist.
BOTTOM LINE:
Determining who pays for an IME in Nova Scotia depends on various factors such as personal injury claims, third-party claims, workers’ compensation cases, legal aid eligibility, and private agreements. Following specific guidelines and being aware of individual rights throughout the process can help ensure a smooth assessment while minimizing unexpected costs.