Everything You Need to Know About That “Independent Medical Examination?”

You’ve been injured in a car accident. You’re receiving treatment from a doctor and you’re starting to feel better. Then, out of the blue, you receive a letter in the mail from the insurance company asking you to schedule an “independent medical examination” (IME).

You might be wondering why the insurance company wants you to schedule an IME. In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about IMEs and how to prepare for one.

What is an Independent Medical Examination?

An IME is a medical examination conducted by a doctor that the insurance company has hired. The purpose of the IME is for the doctor to evaluate the extent of your injuries and to determine whether your injuries are related to the car accident.

During the IME, the doctor will likely ask you about your medical history, your symptoms, and how the accident has impacted your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical examination.

After the IME, the doctor will prepare a report for the insurance company that will detail the findings of the examination.

Why Would I Need One?

There are a few reasons why the insurance company might want you to undergo an IME.

For one, the insurance company might not be convinced that your injuries are as severe as you say they are. They might believe that you are exaggerating your symptoms or that your injuries are not directly related to the car accident.

The insurance company might also want to know how your injuries will affect you in the future. They might use the information from the IME to determine how much money they should give you for your injuries.

If the insurance company is refusing to pay for your medical treatment or if they are offering you a low settlement, they might ask you to schedule an IME.

It’s important to note that you are not required to undergo an IME. However, if you refuse to do so, the insurance company might refuse to pay for your medical treatment or they might offer you a low settlement.

If you’ve been asked to schedule an IME, it’s important to know what to expect and how to prepare. In the next section, we’ll give you some tips on how to do just that.

Who Schedules the Examination?

Generally, the insurance company will hire a doctor to conduct the IME. The insurance company will then provide you with the date, time, and location of the examination.

It’s important to note that you have the right to choose the doctor who conducts the IME. However, the insurance company will only pay for the examination if it is conducted by a doctor that they have approved.

If you want to choose your own doctor, you will need to provide the insurance company with the name and contact information of the doctor. The insurance company will then contact the doctor to schedule the examination.

What Happens at the Examination?

During the IME, the doctor will likely ask you about your medical history, your symptoms, and how the accident has impacted your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical examination.

After the IME, the doctor will prepare a report for the insurance company that will detail the findings of the examination.

The examination will likely take place at the doctor’s office or at a local hospital.

What Should I Bring to the Examination?

When you go to the IME, it’s important to bring a copy of your medical records. This will help the doctor understand your medical history and your current condition.

You should also bring a list of your medications, as well as any X-rays or MRIs that you have had.

Finally, you should bring a friend or family member with you to the examination. This person can serve as a witness to the examination and can take notes for you.

After the IME, the doctor will prepare a report for the insurance company that will detail the findings of the examination. The insurance company will then use this information to decide about your case.

Can I Bring My Own Doctor?

Yes. You can bring your own doctor to the IME if you want.

However, it’s important to note that the insurance company is not required to pay for the examination if you choose to bring your own doctor. You will likely need to pay for the examination yourself.

An independent medical examination (IME) is an important step in many personal injury cases. An IME can help to determine the extent of an injury, the necessary course of treatment, and whether the injured party is able to return to work. If you have been asked to participate in an IME, it is important to understand your rights and what to expect. Contact Oracle Law Firm at (888) 547-1778 for more information.