Getting a letter that schedules you for an examination with a doctor you have never met can be confusing. You may wonder why your own doctor is not enough, or what this new doctor is looking for. This kind of appointment is called an independent medical examination, and it often shows up after a car accident, a truck crash, or another injury claim in Wisconsin.
At Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, we walk clients through every step of a claim, including exams the insurance company requests. Knowing what this exam is, why it happens, and how it can shape your case helps you feel ready instead of caught off guard.
What Is an Independent Medical Examination?
An independent medical examination, often called an IME, is a checkup set up by the insurance company. The doctor who does the exam is not your treating doctor. This doctor works for the insurance company, and their report goes back to that company.
The exam usually happens after a car accident or truck accident claim, once you have been treating for a while. The insurance company wants its own doctor to look at your injuries. They use the report to decide how much your claim may be worth.
Why Insurance Companies Request IMEs
Insurance companies argue the exam is an unbiased second opinion. In practice, the doctor is paid by the insurance company, so the report often supports the insurance company’s position to cut off related treatment or pay the injured person less.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, an insurance company or employer can request a reasonable exam by a physician, chiropractor, psychologist, or other approved provider of its choosing. This same idea applies in many personal injury and auto claims, where the insurer wants its own doctor to weigh in on your injuries. Keep the following in mind when going to your IME:
- The insurance company picks and pays the examining doctor.
- The report often focuses on ending or limiting your benefits.
- The exam may look brief compared to visits with your own doctor.
- You still have rights during the process, even though the doctor works for the other side.
Knowing this ahead of time can help you stay calm and prepared for the appointment.
How an IME Can Affect Your Personal Injury Case
The report from this exam can carry a lot of weight. Insurance adjusters often use it to argue that your injuries are healing faster than your own doctor believes, or that they are not as serious as you say.
This can lead to real changes in your case value or benefits. A few common outcomes include:
- Reduced or paused wage benefits while your case is under review.
- Disputes over whether more medical treatment is needed.
- Lower settlement offers based on the exam findings.
- Challenges to how long your recovery should take.
Because this report can shift the direction of your claim, walking in prepared matters. Being honest, describing your pain clearly, and not downplaying or exaggerating your symptoms all help protect your case. Your personal injury case often depends on a clear medical picture, so this exam is not something to treat lightly.
What to Expect at Your Independent Medical Exam
Most exams follow a similar pattern, even though the specific tests can vary by injury type. Knowing the general flow ahead of time can ease some of the stress.
Here is what commonly happens during the visit:
- A review of your medical records and accident history
- Questions about your pain, daily activities, and work limits
- A physical exam of the injured area or areas
- Notes taken by the doctor for their written report
The exam is usually short, often lasting well under an hour. Bringing a written list of your symptoms and treatment history can help you stay clear and consistent.
What Are Your Rights During an IME?
You do have rights, even though the doctor is chosen by the insurance company. In many cases, you can bring someone with you, and you can ask questions about what the exam involves.
You are also allowed to describe your symptoms honestly and in your own words. This is not the time to guess or agree with a doctor’s suggestion if it does not match how you truly feel.
Discuss Your IME With the Dedicated Lawyers at Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm
Pemberton Personal Injury has built our firm on the idea that injured people deserve a real advocate, not just someone to file paperwork. With more than 90 years of combined experience, our team has seen how these exams play out and how insurance companies use them.
We have also earned Super Lawyers recognition for 10 consecutive years running, and our firm was built in part on an insurance defense background, so we understand how the other side builds its arguments. We work on a contingency fee, so you owe us nothing unless we win your case. Every client can count on the Pemberton Promise. If an independent medical examination is part of your claim, reach out for a free case evaluation.
