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What is an Independent Medical Exam (IME)?

• What is an IME?
• How is it different from a regular exam?
• And why are IMEs used?

What is an Independent Medical Exam?

First and foremost, an Independent Medical Exam is an exam that is supposed to be independent from the influence of any interested parties, which includes the insurance company, the employer, and even the patients themselves. It is also independent of attorneys, no matter which side they are on. Most of the parties receive copies of the doctor's report, but they should not have any input as to what is written in the report. The benefit of this is that it is supposed to give ease to the patient about what they are saying. You must remember to be completely open with the doctor.

How is it Different from a Regular Exam?

The "independent" in Independent Medical Exam also means that the doctor and patient are independent of each other, or that no patient-doctor relationship is established. What this means is the doctor you see is not establishing a treatment relationship. By seeing you, the doctor is not "treating you". He/she is merely listening to your explanation of the injury and making observations to better understand the case at hand. They then make their recommendations based on what they evaluated in the exam.They may make treatment recommendations, but they will not be your treating physician and there is usually no further appointments with that doctor.

Why are IMEs Used?

Lastly, the IME is independent in the sense that the doctor tells you what you need to hear as opposed to what you want to hear. It's important to remember that going back to a job before your body has healed is dangerous. Even though your mind may say "yes, I can do it!", it's the doctor's job to agree or check that impulse if necessary. If you return too soon, you could end up in worst straits than you were to start out with. It's beneficial because it can give you a clear picture of what's going on and where you stand. In some cases, the insurance company will use an IME to try to get an opinion that you are not really as injured as your doctor says or that you don't need restrictions. Although the doctor completing the IME will be able to give an opinion that you may not agree with, your treating doctor's opinions often carry more weight than an IME that has obviously been used to get an opinion more favorable to the insurance company.

For workers who have been hurt on the job in Iowa and for workers who have a claim that is being handled under Iowa law there are many more things that you should know about Iowa's workers' compensation system, medical care and treatment and what compensation you should receive for being hurt on the job in Iowa. For more information, request a copy of our FREE book written by Iowa Workers' Compensation Attorney Corey J. L. Walker. Attorney Corey J. L. Walker offers books at no cost because he has seen too many injured workers hurt on the job make costly mistakes resulting in them losing thousands of dollars so request your copy NOW to protect your rights and learn how to avoid a costly mistake. Attorneys from Walker, Billingsley & Bair represent workers hurt on the job throughout the state of Iowa including Des Moines, Iowa City, Ft. Dodge, Ottumwa, Decorah, Sioux City, Waterloo, Newton, Marshalltown, Ankeny, Council Bluffs, and more.