EDD scheduled my IME 6 hours away - how to get location changed?

Hey everyone, I need some advice. I just got scheduled for an independent medical exam but the location is super far away. I live in the Bay Area and they want me to go all the way to Glendora! That's like a 6-hour drive each way. Has anyone had any luck getting their exam location changed to somewhere closer? I'm thinking about sending an email to request a change but I'm not sure who to contact or what to say. Any tips would be really appreciated!

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25 comments

Lilah Brooks

I'm dealing with something similar right now - they scheduled me for an exam 4 hours away in Fresno when I'm in San Diego. From what I've researched, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation for location if the distance creates an undue hardship. I'd suggest mentioning in your email that the 12-hour round trip creates both financial and logistical hardship, especially if you're dealing with a disability. Also, reference the Americans with Disabilities Act - they're supposed to make reasonable accommodations. I'm planning to send my request certified mail so there's a paper trail. Keep us posted on how it goes!

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Omar Hassan

I went through this exact same thing earlier this year! My exam was scheduled in Sacramento when I'm in LA. Here's what worked for me: I called the medical provider's office directly (not EDD) and explained the hardship. They were actually really understanding and helped coordinate with EDD to find a closer location. The key is to be polite but persistent, and document everything. Also, if you have any medical conditions that make long travel difficult, definitely mention that - they have to consider reasonable accommodations. It took about 10 days but they found me a spot in Orange County instead. Don't lose hope, there are people there who want to help!

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Rental Property

@Omar Hassan Hi. I am in the same boat. I just received a letter in the mail requesting that I travel 140 miles round trip, with 5–6 hours of travel time due to LA traffic. I read this thread and called EDD immediately. I spoke to an agent who was very understanding. He said he would put a notation on my file indicating that we discussed this issue, and that he would submit an escalation request to the appropriate department to review it and call me back with a decision. He told me to allow 3–5 business days for them to process the request and reach out. He also advised me to hold on to the initial letter but said I do not need to do anything yet including (making an appointment with the original doctor while) waiting to hear back. I later called again and spoke with a different agent, who confirmed that there is a notation on my file and that the request has been submitted to a higher-level department. Here are my questions: Was this the process you went through an (escalation to a different department and waiting ,)or did the supervisor/agent assign you a new doctor immediately during the phone call? The agent that I spoke to said he doesn t'have the power to assign a new doctor on his end. Is this true? I know I am required to make an appointment within 7 days of the mailing date of this letter. This deadline will likely pass while I am waiting for the call back. Would this impact my benefits while the issue is pending, because the deadline has passed? According to the agent, it should not, since there is a notation on my file and the issue is under review. However, I am still worried. Did anyone have a similar experience? Thank you so much. This is so stressful. 😞

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Rental Property

Hi everyone. I am in the same boat. I just received a letter in the mail requesting that I travel 140 miles round trip, with 5–6 hours of travel time due to LA traffic. I read this thread and called EDD immediately. I spoke to an agent who was very understanding. He said he would put a notation on my file indicating that we discussed this issue, and that he would submit an escalation request to the appropriate department to review it and call me back with a decision. He told me to allow 3–5 business days for them to process the request and reach out. He also advised me to hold on to the initial letter but said I do not need to do anything yet (including making an appointment with the original doctor) while waiting to hear back. I later called again and spoke with a different agent, who confirmed that there is a notation on my file and that the request has been submitted to a higher-level department. Here are my questions: For those who were successful in having a closer doctor reassigned, was this the process you went through (an escalation to a different department and waiting), or did the supervisor/agent assign you a new doctor immediately during the phone call? The agent that I spoke to said he doesn't have the power to assign a new doctor on his end. Is this true? I know I am required to make an appointment within 7 days of the mailing date of this letter. This deadline will likely pass while I am waiting for the call back. Would this impact my benefits while the issue is pending, because the deadline has passed? According to the agent, it should not, since there is a notation on my file and the issue is under review. However, I am still worried. Did anyone have a similar experience? Thank you so much. This is so stressful. 😞

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