An independent medical examination (IME) is a medical evaluation that is conducted by a physician who is not involved with a patient’s prior or current treatment. These types of exams are often requested by insurance companies, employers, or defendants to obtain an objective opinion about a person’s medical condition.
IMEs are not the same as regular medical visits because there is not a previously established doctor-patient relationship. Instead, it serves as an unbiased assessment and can significantly impact the outcome of a claim.
Why Are Independent Medical Examinations Ordered?
IMEs play an important role in resolving disputes related to medical treatment, recovery, and disability ratings.
Some of the most common reasons they are needed include:
- Workers’ compensation claims: To assess the extent of a work-related injury, the need for additional treatment, or the ability to return to work
- Personal injury cases: To evaluate the severity of an injury and determine whether it aligns with the reported accident
- Disability determinations: To confirm whether an individual is eligible or not for long-term or short-term disability benefits
Florida law allows both the insurer and the injured party to request one independent medical examination per accident in workers’ compensation suits.
Who Performs the IME?
Typically, an insurance company will select the doctor and pay for the examination. While IMEs are supposed to be objective, there is often debate about whether the financial relationship between the examiner and the insurer can influence the outcome of some of these examinations.
If there are concerns about impartiality, in some cases, an injured individual can request their own IME or challenge the findings of one conducted by an insurer-selected doctor.
What Happens During an Independent Medical Examination?
An IME typically follows a structured process designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s condition.
You can expect that:
- The doctor will review prior treatment notes, test results, and image scans
- A physical exam will be conducted to assess mobility, pain response, and functionality
- You may be asked about symptoms, what caused the injury, how it impacts your day-to-day life, and whether you have returned to work or not
- The doctor may observe your behavior before, during, and after the exam to detect any inconsistencies
It’s important to be transparent and honest when describing your symptoms. Exaggerating or evading questions may be noted in the report, which could end up hurting your case in the long run.
How to Prepare for an IME
Preparation can help ensure your condition is accurately represented to the IME physician.
Some helpful tips to consider:
- Review your medical history and be prepared to discuss it
- Bring a list of medications and any prior treatments
- Dress comfortably and arrive early with a family member or friend
- Avoid minimizing or overstating your condition
- Note anything unusual during your exam, such as inappropriate comments or a lack of certain examinations that may have been necessary
The doctor’s report can influence decisions about ongoing treatments, compensation, and disability benefits, so it’s extremely important the exam reflects your condition truthfully.
Are IMEs Truly Independent?
While IMEs are meant to be impartial, there are concerns about bias. Physicians who frequently do these examinations for an insurance company may be incentivized to issue reports that favor the requesting party.
Under Florida law, if an insurer fails to provide a timely change of physician upon request, the injured worker may be allowed to choose their own doctor. Additionally, if the findings from the IME differ significantly from the treating doctor’s opinion, this can be a point of contention in legal proceedings.
Legal Protections for Injured Workers in Clearwater
Florida’s workers’ compensation system includes a variety of safeguards to protect injured employees:
- Injured workers are entitled to one independent medical exam per accident.
- A second opinion or a change of physician can be requested if there is a disagreement with medical facts.
- IME doctors must stay within their medical specialty and cannot recommend follow-up care unless it is specifically permitted.
These rules are meant to ensure that injured workers receive fair treatment and that medical disputes are resolved with integrity. For example, if your IME downplays your condition after a Clearwater car accident, you may be able to dispute these findings using your treating physician’s medical records or by requesting a new exam.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been asked to undergo an independent medical examination, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced legal professional. A lawyer can help you prepare for the IME, identify potential biases in the report, and submit counter-evidence or challenge findings
Remember, you don’t have to face an IME alone. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights, challenge unfair findings, and help you obtain the full compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (727) 787-2500 for a free consultation.
