I have a problem that I would like some advice on. I was scheduled for an IME. I brought my medical records from my treating doctors, and the MRI. I also brought my sister as a chaperone. I have a physical mobility disability, unrelated to my work injury. My sister helps me carry things or navigate when I am having issues. When my name was called, I was told that I was not allowed to have a chaperone, so I asked my sister to wait in the lobby, and I asked for a female nurse to be present. I was taken to the exam room, and told that the doctor would not do the exam if anyone was in the room, and that they would have to reschedule. I told them that was OK, I have no problem not having a female nurse present. I just wanted someone there to help me get on and off the table, and to assist me with disrobing and gowning. The doctor never even came in the room.
I called my case manager, and she said that I should have known I wasn't allowed to have help or a chaperone. She said she would let me know when it was reschedule for. I got a nasty surprise in the mail. They closed my case a week after the IME! I never got a reschedule IME. I am supposed to apply for a hearing to disagree, but I would like to know what I should do in the meantime. I don't have an attorney. The three I spoke to said that they can't do anything until they deny me benefits or close my case. Now that my case is closed, they say they can't help since I should have come to them sooner. So... catch 22? I looked at the Arizona state laws, and didn't see that a person couldn't come to help a disabled person though.
Anyway, advice would be great. Thankes,
Adele

