How to Perform an Independent Medical Examination
Physicians who are new to IMEs will need to know how to conduct an IME (Independent Medical Evaluation). IME physicians should understand:
- What clients (attorneys, insurers, and case managers) are looking for (defensible answers to their questions) from independent medical examiners.
- How to write an effective IME report. A great resource for this is Writing and Defending Your IME Report: The Comprehensive Guide.
- How to provide valid IME conclusions that are defensible and will hold up at hearing.
- How to properly address common IME issues such as:
- Diagnosis
- Causation
- Exaggerated Pain Behavior
- Appropriateness of Care
- Record Review
- Physical Examination
- When is a patient at Maximum Medical Improvement
- How to Evaluate Permanent Impairment
One of the best resources for IME physicians is the instructional DVD How to Perform an Excellent Independent Medical Evaluation, presented by the co-founder of the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners.