What is an Independent Medical Examination (IME)?

An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a medical evaluation requested by an insurance company or defense attorney to assess the cause, extent, and treatment needs of an injury in a personal injury or workers' compensation claim.

Is the IME doctor really independent?

Despite the term 'independent,' IME doctors are selected and paid by the insurance company or defense, meaning their findings can often favor the insurer rather than the injured worker.

Do I have to go to an IME in a South Carolina workers' comp case?

Yes. If requested by the employer or insurance carrier, attending an IME is generally mandatory under South Carolina law to maintain your eligibility for workers' compensation benefits.

What is an “Independent Medical Examination?”

Legal Questions, Personal Injury, Workers' Compensation

When you’re going through a personal injury case, an injured person generally is receiving treatment from one specialist such as an orthopedist or a neurosurgeon.

These specialists are typically tasked with rendering opinions on your condition such as future medical requirements and work restrictions. At some point, however you may hear the term independent medical examination.

An independent medical examination, or an IME, is when your attorney or the insurance company sends you to a different specialist in the same field to render opinions on your condition.

Having a doctor take a second look at your injuries could work to your benefit, but it could work to your detriment and cause significant problems in your case.

These exams are used to answer any questions your insurance company may have about your worker’s compensation claim, and they can affect the outcome of your personal injury case. Many judges will make their decisions based on the findings of the IME, so it’s important to know what all they entail.

At Hoffman Law Firm, let our trusted legal team handle the questions from the insurance company and help you navigate your IME to get the compensation you deserve. Read on to learn more.

What to Expect

Your independent medical examination will begin by discussing your injury, symptoms, ongoing problems relating to the injury, and any progress you’ve made.

The doctor conducting the IME will ask questions to confirm your condition, as well as details surrounding the accident itself, and then proceed with a physical examination of your ailment.

The doctor will likely already have your medical records, history of medical treatment for the injury, and potentially your injury report or a note outlining your claim from the insurance company. They may be looking for any inconsistencies or the presence of inaccurate information in your medical records.

How Does an IME Affect Workers Compensation?

IMEs are intended to verify your injuries during workers’ compensation claims. Therefore, if discrepancies are found in your recount of the injury, it can have a significant impact on your claim.

Judges may sometimes view IME doctors as more objective than your personal primary care doctor. This is why these exams are important in your personal injury case.

If you’ve been tasked with getting an IME, ask your insurance company for a copy of the letter being sent to the IME doctor to review prior to the exam. This can help you understand what might be of issue in your claim.

Following your IME, you or your attorney will receive a copy of the report from the IME doctor. If you see a factual mistake, point it out immediately. You can write a letter to the doctor and insurance company requesting they clarify their findings through an addendum.

If you can support the error with your medical records, include those with your letter for further verification. This should only be done with the guidance of a seasoned experienced attorney, otherwise you may do more damage than good.

If an IME is going to affect your personal injury case, it’s important to have a skilled legal team on your side, like our attorneys here at Hoffman Law Firm.

Need Legal Advice After a Workplace Accident, Contact Hoffman Law Firm

Navigating the challenges of the insurance company during a personal injury case is no walk in the park.

That’s why our team at Hoffman Law Firm is here to stand beside you and fight for the compensation you deserve.

We support accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. $0 Upfront Attorney’s Fee. Free Consultation.

SOURCES & REFERENCES

South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (SCWCC): Medical Treatment Guidelines & Examination Standards
South Carolina Code of Laws: Title 42 – Workers’ Compensation (S.C. Code Ann. § 42-15-80 Examination of Injured Employee)
American Medical Association (AMA): Independent Medical Examinations & Disability Evaluation Guidelines
National Safety Council (NSC): Managing Medical Evaluations & Workers’ Compensation Claims

LEARN MORE ABOUT WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS

Want to make sure your Workers’ Compensation claim is fully protected? Explore these related guides from Hoffman Law Firm:

What is an “Independent Medical Examination?”: Key details on how IMEs work, what to expect during your exam, and how findings impact your claim.
What Happens at a Workers’ Comp Hearing in South Carolina?: How IME reports, doctor testimony, and medical records are evaluated by a commissioner.
6 Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your SC Workers’ Comp Claim: Essential rules for navigating authorized doctor visits and avoiding statements that hurt your case.
The Dos and Don’ts of a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Essential rules for documenting your injury, communicating with doctors, and handling insurance adjusters.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every workers’ compensation claim is unique, and the information provided may not apply to your specific situation. If you have questions about your rights after a workplace injury, consult a qualified South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney.

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