Personal injury claims are often supported by medical records and other documentation. In some cases an insurance claims adjuster may require an “independent medical examination” (IME) before finalizing a claim and making a settlement offer.
What is an IME?
An IME is a medical examination conducted by a contracted physician. Contracted doctors are paid by the insurance company to provide formal medical evaluations that are intended to be unbiased. These exams are usually ordered when:
- there are gaps in medical records
OR - the insurance claims adjuster feels there is justification for verifying the severity level or extent of injuries included in the claim.
Your own insurance company or the company of the defendant in your personal injury claim can request an IME.
How can an IME Affect Your Claim?
An IME can substantiate your claims about your injuries or it can downplay how severe your injuries are. Because contracted physicians are regularly used by insurance companies, they have a vested interest in keeping these insurance companies happy. After all, if they provide the insurance companies with the fuel necessary to make lower settlement offers, then insurance companies are more likely to continue to refer claimants to them for future IMEs.
What can You do to Protect Yourself and Your Claim if an IME is Requested?
Because contracted physicians can be biased or swayed by their own financial interests, IME results may not serve your interests well in your personal injury claim. There are some things you can do to protect yourself and your personal injury claim, if an IME is ordered though.
- Take a friend or family member that is willing to make a formal, recorded statement in your claim with you to the appointment. That person should take notes on the examination, the conversation with the contracted physician, and the other details of the IME. They must then be willing to enter a formal, written or otherwise documented statement into your claim regarding the appointment details.
- Get a complete copy of the IME report and review it thoroughly. If necessary, get your own doctor to counter the contracted physician’s findings in a formal, written statement about your injuries.
Protecting your interests in a personal injury claim is crucial to receiving a fair settlement. Do not discuss the details of the IME with the claims adjuster before viewing the full report from the contracted physician. You may also wish to get help from a personal injury lawyer, especially if the IME is a negative report that could significantly impact the outcome of your claim.
