EDD requesting Independent Medical Exam for my SDI claim - what to expect?

I got one of these last summer for my back injury claim. DON'T PANIC - it's actually pretty routine especially if your disability claim is going longer than they initially expected. The exam itself was about 45 minutes with their doctor asking questions and doing some basic tests related to my condition. Bring all your medical records and be honest about your symptoms. The doctor I saw was actually pretty fair. Make sure you call and schedule it IMMEDIATELY though. That 10-day deadline is serious. If you can't get an appointment within 10 days, document all your attempts to schedule and let EDD know. They're mostly checking that your disability is legitimate and getting a second opinion on your expected return-to-work date.

My sister went thru this and they CUT OFF her benefits even tho her dr said she needed more time off!! Be super careful what u say during the exam. They look for ANY reason to deny u. My sister mentioned she could do laundry sitting down and they used that against her saying she could do "light duty work" 🙄

Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) are a standard part of EDD's verification process for longer-term disability claims. The purpose is to get an objective assessment of your medical condition and work limitations. Here's what you need to know: 1. Bring all medical records related to your condition 2. Bring a list of all medications you're currently taking 3. Be prepared to discuss your work duties and how your condition affects them 4. Answer honestly but don't volunteer extra information 5. The doctor will submit their report to EDD within about 5 business days 6. Your benefits will continue during this process unless the IME doctor determines you're able to return to work Focus on explaining the functional limitations that prevent you from working, not just your symptoms. The fact that your regular doctor supports continuing disability is important, but the IME doctor's opinion will carry significant weight.

I had to do one of these for my pregnancy disability claim that went beyond the standard timeframe. The doctor was actually very understanding. Just be honest about your limitations and consistent with what you've reported to EDD previously. They mostly want to confirm you're not exaggerating your condition. One thing I wish I'd known - they may ask about your daily activities, so be prepared to discuss what a typical day looks like for you. If your condition fluctuates (good days/bad days), make sure to explain that clearly. They sent their report to EDD about a week after my exam, and my benefits continued without interruption. But I've heard others had different experiences, so document everything just in case.

If you're struggling to reach EDD about this, I found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person at EDD when I had questions about my disability exam. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd I was skeptical but it actually worked - they got me connected to a disability rep in about 25 minutes instead of spending days trying to get through. The rep was able to explain exactly what to expect with the independent exam and calmed my nerves about the whole process. Seriously worth checking out if you need answers quickly.

Watch out for these independent doctors!! They work FOR the EDD not for you! I had one who spent maybe 10 minutes with me, barely examined me, then wrote a report saying I could return to work despite my severe back pain. My regular doctor was furious and had to fight with EDD to keep my benefits going. Make sure you're SUPER clear about ALL your limitations and don't let them rush you through the appointment!!

One more thing I forgot to mention - if possible, have your primary doctor write a detailed letter about your condition, treatment plan, and why you're unable to work right now. I brought this to my IME and the doctor actually seemed to appreciate having the additional information. It shows you're actively working with your doctor and following a treatment plan, not just trying to stay on disability indefinitely.

mine was soooo awkward the doctor kept trying to catch me in a lie by asking the same questions different ways lol but i got approved for continued benefits so whatever

A few additional tips for your IME appointment: 1. Arrive early and bring a complete list of all healthcare providers you've seen for this condition 2. Be prepared to describe how your condition affects your daily life and work duties specifically 3. If you have good and bad days, make sure to clarify the frequency and severity of symptoms on bad days 4. Don't exaggerate, but don't minimize your symptoms either 5. If you bring someone with you, they typically won't be allowed in the exam room but can help you remember details before/after 6. Ask for a copy of the IME report to be sent to your treating physician After the exam, follow up with EDD (yes, I know it's difficult to reach them) to confirm they received the report and check your claim status.

btw has anyone noticed EDD seems to be sending out WAY more of these exam requests lately?? My friend and my sister both got them in the past couple months. Seems like theyre trying to kick people off benefits faster 😡

I went through this exact same thing about 6 months ago for my anxiety and depression claim. I was absolutely terrified but it ended up being okay. The doctor asked about my symptoms, how they affect my daily life, and what my treatment plan looks like. They also asked about my work environment and what specifically makes it difficult for me to perform my job duties. A few things that helped me prepare: I wrote down all my symptoms and how they impact me on both good and bad days, brought a timeline of my treatment and medications, and practiced explaining my condition in clear terms. The whole appointment took about an hour. My benefits continued after the exam, but I know that's not always the case. The key is being honest about your limitations while showing you're actively working on your recovery. Having that letter from your regular doctor will definitely help - mine wrote one too and I think it made a difference. You've got this! The anticipation is honestly worse than the actual appointment.

I had my IME about 3 months ago for anxiety and chronic fatigue. The whole process was nerve-wracking but here's what helped me get through it: 1. I made a "symptom diary" for the week before my appointment, tracking my daily functioning, energy levels, and anxiety episodes. This helped me give specific examples during the exam. 2. The doctor spent about 30 minutes asking questions about my condition, medications, and how it affects my ability to work. They were actually pretty professional and didn't seem like they were trying to "catch" me in anything. 3. I brought my partner with me for moral support - they had to wait in the lobby but it helped knowing they were there. 4. Most importantly, I focused on explaining my "functional limitations" rather than just symptoms. Like instead of saying "I have panic attacks," I explained "I have panic attacks that make it impossible for me to concentrate on tasks or interact with customers, which are essential parts of my job." The doctor's report came back supporting my continued disability, and my benefits weren't interrupted. I think being prepared and honest about how your conditions actually prevent you from working is key. You're going to do great - just remember this is about getting an objective medical opinion, not trying to trick you!

I just went through this process last month and wanted to add a few things that really helped me prepare. First, if you're dealing with anxiety like I was, practice explaining your condition out loud beforehand - I was so nervous during my first attempt that I couldn't articulate my symptoms clearly. Also, bring a written list of all your current medications WITH dosages and frequencies. The doctor asked very specific questions about my treatment plan and having everything written down helped me not forget anything important in the moment. One thing I wish someone had told me - if your condition involves "invisible" symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or emotional regulation issues, be prepared with concrete examples of how these affect your work performance. The doctor asked me things like "can you lift 20 pounds?" which wasn't really relevant to my condition, but when I explained that my panic attacks make it impossible to handle the stress of customer complaints or meet deadlines, they seemed to understand better. The whole thing took about 50 minutes for me, and my benefits continued without interruption. You're going to do fine - just be honest and thorough about your actual limitations!

I went through this same process about a year ago for my chronic pain and depression claim. I know how terrifying that letter can be when you first get it! Here's what really helped me prepare: I created a detailed list of how my conditions specifically impact my job duties. For example, instead of just saying "I have chronic pain," I explained "My pain flares make it impossible to sit at a computer for more than 20-30 minutes, which prevents me from completing data entry tasks that require 6-8 hours of continuous work." The doctor I saw was actually quite thorough and professional. They asked about my daily routine, treatment history, and what a "typical" bad day looks like. The key thing is to be consistent with what you've already reported to EDD and focus on work-related limitations rather than just symptoms. One thing that surprised me - they asked if I had tried any workplace accommodations or modified duties. Be prepared to explain why accommodations wouldn't be sufficient for your specific role and conditions. My exam took about 45 minutes total, and I heard back within about 10 days. My benefits continued, though I know that's not always the case. Make sure your regular doctor's records are very specific about your functional limitations - that documentation carries a lot of weight. You've got this! The anticipation is definitely worse than the actual appointment.

I haven't been through an IME myself yet, but I've been reading all these responses and wanted to say thank you to everyone sharing their experiences! I'm currently on disability for similar issues (anxiety and depression) and have been worried about potentially getting one of these requests. @Connor O'Neill - it sounds like you're getting really good preparation advice here. One thing I noticed from reading everyone's experiences is that having that detailed letter from your regular doctor seems to make a big difference. Also, the symptom diary idea that @Diez Ellis mentioned sounds really smart - I might start keeping one just in case. Good luck with your appointment Thursday! I hope you'll update us on how it goes. It's really helpful to have this community where people share their real experiences with these processes.

I just wanted to add something that helped me during my IME last year - if you're dealing with anxiety like you mentioned, consider asking your regular doctor for a mild anti-anxiety medication to take before the appointment if you don't already have one. I was so nervous that I could barely speak coherently during my first 10 minutes, which definitely didn't help me explain my condition clearly. Also, one thing I learned is that these IME doctors see A LOT of people trying to game the system, so they can sometimes seem skeptical at first. Don't take it personally - just stick to the facts about your limitations and be consistent with what you've already reported. The fact that your regular doctor supports continued disability and you've been legitimately receiving treatment will work in your favor. One last tip: if they ask about your "good days," be honest but make sure to explain that even on good days, you still couldn't handle the stress and demands of your regular work environment. Having some good days doesn't mean you're ready to return to work full-time. Good luck Thursday!

I went through this exact same process about 8 months ago for my anxiety and PTSD claim, and I know exactly how you're feeling right now! That letter is absolutely terrifying when you first get it. Here's what I wish someone had told me: the IME doctor I saw was actually more understanding than I expected. They asked detailed questions about my symptoms, my treatment plan, and specifically how my conditions prevent me from doing my job duties. The whole appointment took about an hour. A few things that really helped me prepare: - I brought a timeline of all my treatment (therapy sessions, medication changes, hospitalizations, etc.) - I prepared specific examples of how my anxiety affects my work performance (like panic attacks during client meetings, inability to concentrate on complex tasks, etc.) - Most importantly, I had my psychiatrist write a detailed letter explaining why I still needed time off The waiting for results was nerve-wracking, but my benefits continued after their review. I think the key is being completely honest about your limitations while showing you're actively working on recovery. You're going to get through this! The fact that your regular doctor supports your need for continued time off is really important. Document everything and stay consistent with what you've already reported to EDD.

I haven't had to do an IME myself yet, but I've been following this thread closely since I'm also on SDI for anxiety and chronic pain issues. Reading everyone's experiences has been incredibly helpful and honestly makes me feel more prepared in case I get one of these requests. @Connor O'Neill - it sounds like you're getting amazing preparation advice here! The common themes I'm seeing are: bring all your medical documentation, focus on functional limitations rather than just symptoms, be honest but don't volunteer extra information, and having that detailed letter from your regular doctor seems crucial. One thing I wanted to add that I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you use any assistive devices or have specific coping strategies you rely on (like noise-canceling headphones for sensory issues, specific lighting needs, etc.), it might be worth mentioning how the workplace environment doesn't accommodate these needs. Wishing you the best with your appointment Thursday! This community has been such a lifeline for understanding these processes. Please update us on how it goes when you can!

I went through this exact process about 4 months ago for my anxiety and depression claim, and I completely understand that panic you're feeling right now! Getting that letter felt like a punch to the gut. Here's what really helped me get through it: I spent the few days before my appointment writing down specific examples of how my conditions affect my ability to do my actual job tasks. Like instead of saying "I have anxiety," I explained "My panic attacks make it impossible to handle angry customer calls, which is 70% of my job duties." The IME doctor seemed to appreciate having concrete examples. Also, don't underestimate how much that letter from your regular doctor will help. Mine wrote a detailed explanation of my treatment plan and why I still needed time off, and I could tell it carried weight during the exam. The IME doctor actually referenced it several times during our conversation. The appointment itself was less intimidating than I expected - about 45 minutes of questions about my symptoms, daily functioning, and work limitations. The doctor was professional and didn't seem like they were trying to trip me up. My benefits continued after their review. One thing I learned: they may ask about whether you've considered part-time work or accommodations. Be prepared to explain why those options wouldn't work for your specific condition and job requirements. With severe anxiety, it's not just about reducing hours - it's about not being able to handle the core stressful elements of the work itself. You've got this! The preparation advice everyone's giving here is spot on. Document everything, be honest about your limitations, and trust that your legitimate medical condition will be recognized.

I went through this same process about 6 months ago for my severe depression and panic disorder claim. I know exactly how terrifying that letter feels when you first get it - I literally had a panic attack reading it! Here's what helped me get through the IME successfully: **Before the appointment:** - I created a detailed symptom log for the week leading up to it, tracking panic attacks, sleep issues, and daily functioning levels - My psychiatrist wrote a comprehensive letter explaining my diagnosis, current medications, and specific work limitations - I practiced explaining my condition out loud so I wouldn't freeze up during the exam **During the appointment:** - The doctor was actually more professional and understanding than I expected - They asked detailed questions about how my conditions specifically prevent me from doing my job duties (I work in retail management) - I focused on explaining functional limitations: "My panic attacks make it impossible to handle confrontational customers or make quick decisions under pressure" - The exam took about 50 minutes total **The outcome:** - My benefits continued without interruption - The key was being completely honest about limitations while showing I'm actively pursuing treatment Your regular doctor's support for continued disability is huge in your favor. Make sure they write a detailed letter about your specific work limitations, not just general symptoms. The IME doctor will definitely consider that professional opinion. You're going to get through this! The anticipation is honestly much worse than the actual appointment. Focus on explaining how your conditions prevent you from doing your specific job duties, and you'll do fine.

I went through an IME about a year ago for my anxiety and chronic fatigue claim, and I totally understand that panic you're feeling! That letter is absolutely terrifying when it first arrives. Here's what really helped me prepare and get through it successfully: **Key preparation steps:** - Keep a detailed daily symptom diary leading up to the appointment (I wish I'd seen this advice earlier - it's brilliant!) - Have your regular doctor write a comprehensive letter about your specific work limitations, not just general diagnosis - Practice explaining your conditions out loud beforehand so anxiety doesn't make you freeze up - Bring ALL medical records, medication lists with dosages, and treatment timeline **During the exam:** - Focus on functional limitations rather than just symptoms ("panic attacks prevent me from handling customer complaints and meeting deadlines" vs just "I have panic attacks") - Be honest about good days vs bad days, but explain that even good days don't mean you can handle full-time work stress - Don't volunteer extra information, but answer all questions thoroughly - The doctor will likely ask about accommodations - be prepared to explain why they wouldn't be sufficient for your specific role **The reality:** - Most IME doctors are more professional than you'd expect (though experiences vary) - The appointment typically takes 45-60 minutes - Having your regular doctor's support carries significant weight - Results usually come back within 1-2 weeks Your situation sounds very similar to mine, and my benefits continued after the review. The fact that you have documented treatment and your doctor's support for continued disability is really important. You're going to get through this - the anticipation is honestly worse than the actual appointment! Good luck tomorrow! Please update us on how it goes when you can.

I haven't had to go through an IME yet, but I've been reading this entire thread and wow - what an incredible resource this has become! As someone currently on SDI for similar anxiety issues, I'm bookmarking this whole conversation for future reference. @Connor O'Neill - by now you've probably already had your appointment (hope it went well!), but for anyone else who might be facing this situation, the advice here is gold. The consistent themes I'm seeing are: document everything, focus on functional work limitations rather than just symptoms, get that detailed doctor's letter, and practice explaining your condition clearly. One thing that really stood out to me from reading everyone's experiences is how much the anticipation and fear seems to be worse than the actual appointment itself. Nearly everyone mentioned being terrified by that initial letter but then finding the IME doctor more professional than expected. Thank you to everyone who shared their real experiences here - this kind of peer support and practical advice is exactly what people need when navigating these scary EDD processes. It's so much more helpful than the vague official information available online.