Preparing for an IME - Peake & Fowler

How Do I Prepare For an Independent Medical Exam (IME) in South Carolina?

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If you are making a claim for injury in South Carolina, you might be asked to submit to an Independent Medical Examination (IME) by the insurance company. IME’s are most often used in South Carolina worker’s compensation cases, but you might find a request for an IME in a different type of case if there is a question about injury causation, the need for treatment, or a disability rating.

If you’ve been asked to attend an IME, you may be nervous or unsure about the process. This is perfectly understandable. Here is what you need to do to prepare for an IME so that you can protect your rights and reduce your anxiety level.

Arrive on Time

IME’s are detailed medical evaluations that cost either the insurance company or an attorney on your case a significant amount of money. The IME physician’s office blocks out time for your evaluation, so it is important that you arrive on time for your appointment. Map out the physician’s office ahead of time and make arrangements for transportation if necessary.

Come Prepared

An IME is much more than just a routine office visit. The physician likely had access to your medical records before the exam, but it would be best if you also came prepared to answer some questions. A few of the things that you should be ready to explain in detail include:

  • Your symptoms – Make a list of your symptoms ahead of time and go over this with your injury attorney. It’s important that you can clearly list the issues that you are having so that the IME doctor can verify your injury and disability.
  • How your injury occurred – You should be able to clearly describe how your injury occurred. If there was a work accident, be prepared to describe the accident and conditions under which you were injured.
  • Your treatment to date – Some injuries require long-term treatment, therapy, and even surgery. You should be able to deliver a history of your medical treatment to date to the IME doctor as well as fill them in on any recommendations from your treating physicians.
  • Your medical history – You will definitely be asked about your medical history since some insurance companies will wish to point out that your issues are related to a pre-existing condition. Be prepared to describe any prior injury or medical care as well as how this current injury worsened or aggravated your condition.

Be Truthful

The IME doctor already has a copy of your medical records and knows about your case. Your best option during an IME is to be completely honest. In fact, a physician might think that you are being less than genuine if there is something glaring, such as a heart bypass surgery, in your medical records that you fail to disclose when questioned.

Remain Consistent

It’s quite possible the IME doctor will ask you the same questions more than once to see if you deliver answers that are contradictory. If you are being honest, this shouldn’t be an issue. When you give your answers to the physician, take your time and remain consistent throughout the exam.

Understand the IME’s Role

Although the first letter in IME stands for “independent,” the truth is that these exams are far from impartial. An IME physician is hired by the insurance company, and there’s a good chance the doctor has worked for the insurance company frequently in the past. The physician is supposed to assess your injury, but they may not be completely unbiased.

Remain Calm and Polite

Despite what we’ve just said about the IME, taking an adversarial approach to the exam won’t work in your favor. You’ll receive a much more positive result if you are completely cooperative and polite throughout the exam. If the physician asks you to perform a maneuver, do so without question. There is just one exception to this rule.

Avoid Tests Not Agreed to Ahead of Time

You should come to an IME thoroughly prepared for the experience. Your injury attorney will tell you what sort of physician will conduct the exam and what to expect. If tests, such as x-rays or an MRI, are a part of the exam, this should be disclosed ahead of time. If an insurance company or physician attempts to spring a test on you without notice, it is time to give your attorney a call.

If you’ve been scheduled for an IME in South Carolina and have questions, contact your experienced injury attorney for further guidance.  Peake & Fowler represent clients throughout South Carolina and the Columbia area. Contact us at (803) 788-4370, or use our online form for a free consultation to discuss your case.