In certain personal injury, disability, workers’ compensation and other type claims, the defense or the insurance company will request that claimants submit to so-called “independent” medical examinations or “IMEs”. Many of these are performed by health care professionals who try to do this in a professional manner and give their … Read more

Questioning by Doctor and Staff – The IME doctor is not someone intending to help or treat an claimant. The information that the doctor and his or her staff obtain is intended to assess the condition of the claimant – and also potentially gather “leads” for further follow up. Generally … Read more

Straight Leg Raising Tests – This is a popular and important test for persons who complain of pain running or radiating into one or both of their legs. In the absence of clear diagnostic evidence, some claimants (with “bulging” discs for example) may be suspected of exaggerating or “faking” pain … Read more

The term “independent” is inappropriate in describing many examinations of this type. When a doctor performs an examination on behalf of an employer, an insurance company or any other private party paying for the doctor’s time, use of the term “independent” is totally inappropriate. While there are some situations … Read more