Preparing for an Independent Medical Examination (IME) in New York

If you have been injured in an accident, your treating doctor should be able to provide an initial exam of your injuries. However, an insurance company may require that you undergo an independent medical exam (IME) of your injuries.

An IME allows an expert on the insurance company’s side to review your injuries and determine what impact they have had on your life.

At The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., we know how stressful it can be to recover from a serious injury. You should not have to face pressure from an insurance company that is trying to minimize your injuries or deny your claim. You need aggressive advocacy and personalized service. You deserve a lawyer who will go the extra mile for you to seek the compensation you need.

If you have been injured and now must undergo an IME, we are here to help you. Our talented personal injury attorneys have extensive experience taking on insurance companies. Our mission is to pursue the best possible outcome for you. We offer a free consultation and, and you pay no fees unless we win.

For your free consultation, contact us today by phone or online.

What Happens at an IME Appointment?

At an IME appointment, the examining doctor will likely review your records and ask you questions about your injury. The doctor may ask how your injuries happened, what care you have received, and whether you had any related conditions before the accident. Keep in mind that the examining doctor is asking these questions on behalf of an insurance company, and not on your behalf.

The examining doctor may also examine your injuries and perform medical tests. These tests and examinations allow the doctor to review and form an opinion on your condition. The doctor will then prepare a medical report for the insurance company.

How Long Does an IME Exam Take?

A typical IME takes about 10-15 minutes. However, the appointment may take longer if your injuries are severe. Be patient during your examination. Allow the doctor to run any tests that are needed.

How to Prepare for an IME

If you are scheduled for an IME, take these steps to help protect your rights:

• Speak to a lawyer about your case. An IME can be a stressful and frustrating experience. An attorney from The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., can advise you on how to prepare for an IME and what information you will need.
• Request a copy of any letters from the insurance company to the examining doctor. These letters may contain questions or list the care and injuries that the doctor should review.
• Review what happened in your accident and how you were injured. The doctor may ask you questions about how the accident harmed you. When you are preparing for an independent medical examination, be certain that you have a clear understanding of what caused your injuries.
• Get someone you can trust to accompany you to the IME. An individual that you trust can act as a witness and take notes. The testimony from that individual may be needed later if questions are raised about the IME.
• Understand how any prior injuries may have affected you and how they are different from this injury. Sometimes in an accident people suffer an injury at a place on their body where they were previously injured. Be sure you understand how your prior injury affected you. Be prepared to distinguish that injury from the new one.
• Arrive at the IME well-groomed and dressed properly for the exam. Whether you are in court or at an IME, remember that your appearance matters. When you show up for your IME, let appearance and demeanor show that you are taking the exam seriously.
• Be patient and courteous to the doctor. Your attitude and actions can affect the doctor’s impression of you. The medical process may be frustrating, but keep in mind that the doctor is working to evaluate your injuries.
• Be straightforward about your injuries and how they have affected you. Many people overstate the effect of their injuries. Remember that these medical professionals deal with injured people every workday. Treat those professionals with respect and be honest about how you have been harmed.

What Should You Not Say at an IME?

As you undergo an IME, remember that the doctor you are seeing is not your treating doctor. The IME doctor may not have to keep everything you say confidential. When you are at an IME, keep these “don’ts” in mind:

• Don’t embellish your injuries or how they happened.
• Don’t discuss your claim’s status or your reasons for filing it.
• Don’t ask for the doctor’s opinion on your injuries.
• Don’t provide more detail than necessary when answering the doctor’s questions.
• Don’t be disrespectful or waste the doctor’s time.

Talk to an Experienced Lawyer About Your Case

If you have been injured in an accident in Queens and you need to undergo an IME, talk with The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., today. Our firm helps people who have suffered injuries. We are ready to stand up for you. We will take the stress off you by building your claim, advising you on how to prepare for your IME, and aggressively advocating for your recovery. From start to finish, we will provide personalized service and one-on-one attention.

After an injury, focus on your health and let us fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today for your free consultation.

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