Independent Medical Exams and Medical Expert Testimony
An Independent Medical Exam (IME) provides an independent medical opinion on issues that may be disputed in litigation, including causation, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and functional limitations.
For attorneys, the value of an IME often comes down to the medical expert selected, the scope of the evaluation, the information available for review and the physician’s ability to support their opinions through a report and, when required, testimony.
What Type of Medical Expert Should Conduct an IME?
Selecting an IME physician starts with the specific medical questions involved. A case involving a spinal injury, for example, may raise different questions about diagnosis, causation, treatment or functional impact. Those questions can influence whether the appropriate medical expert is an orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, physiatrist or another specialist.
The expert’s clinical experience should correspond to the medical issues they are being asked to evaluate and address.
Defining the Scope of an Independent Medical Exam
The questions presented to the medical expert help define the scope of the Independent Medical Exam. A broad request to evaluate an injury may result in a broad assessment. More specific questions concerning causation, treatment, prognosis, impairment or future care provide a clearer framework for the medical record review, examination and resulting opinions.
This can be particularly relevant in cases involving extensive treatment histories, multiple injuries or pre-existing conditions.
What Medical Records Are Relevant to an IME?
An IME is considered within the context of the individual’s broader medical history. Treatment records, diagnostic imaging, prior injuries, previous evaluations and other relevant documentation can inform the physician’s examination and conclusions. The records provided may also affect the scope of the opinions the medical expert is able to offer. A complete and relevant record allows the physician to consider examination findings alongside the available clinical history.
What Is Included in an Independent Medical Exam Report?
Following the evaluation, the physician may prepare an IME report outlining the materials reviewed, examination findings and medical opinions. The report should identify the basis for the physician’s conclusions and address the medical questions presented. Depending on the case, this may include opinions concerning diagnosis, causation, treatment, prognosis, impairment or future medical needs.
IME Physicians and Expert Witness Testimony
An IME physician may also serve as a medical expert witness if the matter proceeds to deposition or trial. During testimony, the physician may be asked to explain the examination, records reviewed, methodology and medical basis for their opinions. Relevant clinical expertise and the ability to communicate medical findings clearly are therefore important considerations when selecting an expert for an Independent Medical Exam.
Sutton Pierce connects attorneys with medical experts across a range of specialties for Independent Medical Exams, medical record reviews, expert reports, depositions and trial testimony.
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