An automobile accident can be stressful and expensive. If you have sustained injuries in a car accident in New York State, you are entitled to no-fault benefits. No-fault benefits will cover the medical treatment for the injuries you sustained during the accident. During your treatment, you may be required to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME). This can be intimidating if you are not familiar with the process. If you need to attend an IME, contact our Auto Accident Doctor in Hempstead at New York Injury Associates.
What Are The Duties of An IME Doctor?
An IME is a medical evaluation performed by a third party, independent medical professional that is used to verify the plaintiff’s medical condition after an accident. The IME doctor is not responsible for treating the patient. The duties of an IME doctor involve providing the insurance with an objective opinion about the plaintiff’s condition. The IME doctor will likely conduct a patient interview to get a better understanding of the history of the accident and medical condition and then conduct a medical examination. During this time, the doctor will also be looking for a variety of details about the plaintiff, including:
- Signs of deception – The IME doctor will be looking for exaggerating symptoms and other signs of deception.
- Appearance – The doctor will be examining many aspects of the plaintiff’s appearance. They will be looking for how the patient stands, if they have difficulty moving around, and if there are any signs of distress while on the examination table. They will also be looking at how the plaintiff dresses, their weight, hygiene, and anything else that could be relevant to the patient’s health, or condition,
- Objective signs of injury – The doctor will look at any x-rays, MRI reports, or CT scans to find objective signs of injury. They will also evaluate whether or not the patient’s pain is consistent with the verifiable signs of the injury.
- Subjective signs of injury– The doctor will perform tests that require the patient to show indications of pain or sensitivity.
The IME doctor is responsible for inquiring about any other injuries or ailments, including those that have occurred before the incident that could have aggravated the injury or contributed to it. They will also identify other lifestyle habits that could contribute to the injury, like smoking, drinking, or recreational drug use. At NYIA, our team will work closely with your attorneys and will help ensure that you are hitting all of the no-fault requirements.
What To Expect During An Examination?
Before your examination, your relevant medical records will be sent to the IME doctor. In many instances the insurance company will include a letter that asks the doctor to examine you for particular reasons:
- Has the plaintiff been incorrectly diagnosed?
- Do they have a permanent disability?
- When will they be able to return to work? Will there be any restrictions upon their return?
- Will they require additional treatment for the injury?
One way to help your case during an IME is to review your own medical history before you go in for the examination. Being prepared can help you stay relaxed during your examination so you can achieve the best possible outcome. Some things to consider while you prepare for the IME include:
- Your complete medical history with past injuries.
- A clear account of how the accident occurred.
- How your injuries impact your daily life and how you perform activities.
- How you were injured.
- Medication that improves the injuries.
It is important to be honest and accurate when speaking to your examiner. Our auto accident doctor in Hempstead takes no-fault insurance to help you make a full recovery. However, this means that patients have to meet specific standards to ensure coverage. The patient needs to show up for all their scheduled appointments and stay active on their road to recovery. After the IME doctor has conducted the exam, they will write a report detailing their observations and send it to the insurance company. If the insurance company plans to take legal action, your attorney will receive a copy of this report.
Contact Our Auto Accident Doctor in Hempstead
While there are various medical teams that you may consider working with for your case, at New York Injury Associates we specialize in no-fault, workers comp, and accident-related cases. You can trust that the case building process will be smooth and simple. Our auto accident doctor in Hempstead will help find the care solution that best fits your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.