Work Comp is smoking rocks! Are they INSANE!?

I got a letter from Pam at Esis. It says:

Dear Ms. Baker:

I have scheduled an Independent Medical Evaluation with Dr. Schumpert on January 23, 2012, Monday at 9:15 AM. The appointment will take place at [address] Missoula, MT 59807.

If you decide to go to Missoula the night before, I will pay for lodging and meal fees. Please let me know and I will release a check to you.

If you are unable to make this appointment, please let me know at your earliest convenience. My phone number is [phone #].

This appointment has been made per State Statutes and you are required to attend. Please confirm with me that you will be able to attend.

Has she lost her mind? I can't drive to Missoula! It's going to cost me $100 in gas to drive there and back, for starters. It's hard enough for me to drive to Kalispell, MT and back, much less Missoula! I have to have someone go with me so they can drive me back. 


I am all for the Independent Medical evaluation but the Montana statue says

A. Section 39-71-605, MCA. Yes, the examiner is allowed to schedule periodic independent medical evaluations (IME). The  time and place for the examination, must take into consideration the  employee’s convenience, physical condition, and ability to attend at the time and place that is as close to the employee’s residence as is practical.

How the hell is a 4 hour drive, in pain, without the chance of any pain relief and a 4 hour drive back the VERY NEXT DAY, convenient? How the fuck is a 4 hour drive "as close to the employee's residence as is practical"? What they don't have doctors in Kalispell? Seriously!? This is BULLSHIT! 


If she thinks I can make it that far, she is smoking rocks!