Hi, I'm attorney Connor McAteer with DM Injury Law, and I'm going to explain to you what an independent medical examination is and what you need to know before you go. An independent medical examination, also called an IME, is a medical examination conducted by a physician selected and paid by the insurance company or defense counsel. Under Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure 60.01, once litigation has been filed and your physical condition is at issue, the defense generally has the right to have you examined by a doctor of their choosing. IME physicians are often repeat experts for the insurance industry. Studies have consistently shown that defense IME reports trend toward minimizing injury severity, attributing symptoms to preexisting Conditions, or finding that the claimant has reached maximum improvement and needs no further treatment. This doesn't mean every IME doctor's dishonest, but the financial relationship creates an incentive structure you should understand. During anIME, the doctor reviews your medical records and conducts a physical examination. They then produce a written report that the defense uses to challenge your treating physician's findings. The appointment is usually 20 to 30 minutes. If you are asked to go to an IME, you should attend the exam. Refusing or failing to appear can result in sanctions. Bring a list of your symptoms prepared in advance with your attorney. Be accurate and complete. Don't minimize symptoms, but don't exaggerate either. Stick to describing your symptoms.
Don't speculate about diagnosis or causation. You are not required to discuss matters unrelated to your physical condition. When you go, do not treat this doctor as your actual physician. Do not share your opinions about your case, your attorney, or the accident beyond the physical facts. Do not sign anything at the appointment. You should also note the time you arrived and when the exam ended. If the IME report is unfair or inaccurate, your attorney can challenge it through your actual physician's testimony, through a rebuttal expert, and at the deposition of the IME doctor. If you are confused about what the insurance company is asking you to do and about your IME appointment, talk to an attorney at DM Injury Law. We offer free consultations and will make sure you have the resources to go confidently through this process.