An Independent Medical Examination is an objective medical evaluation performed by a physician who is not the patient's treating doctor. IMEs are requested by insurance carriers, attorneys, employers, or the court to provide an unbiased medical opinion on the nature and extent of an injury, causation, treatment appropriateness, maximum medical improvement (MMI), and permanent impairment ratings.
Is the patient's condition causally related to the incident or work activity in question? The IME physician reviews records, examines the patient, and provides an evidence-based medical opinion on causation.
Is the treatment the patient has received (or is requesting) medically necessary and appropriate for the diagnosed condition? This is commonly requested when carriers dispute treatment authorization.
Has the patient reached MMI, the point at which their condition is unlikely to improve further with additional treatment? MMI determinations trigger permanent impairment ratings and settlement discussions.
What is the patient's permanent impairment as a percentage of the whole person, based on AMA Guides? Impairment ratings directly affect the monetary value of workers' comp settlements.
Insurance carriers request IMEs to verify treatment necessity or dispute claims. Plaintiff attorneys request IMEs to strengthen their client's case with an independent medical opinion. Defense attorneys request IMEs to challenge the treating physician's findings. Employers request IMEs when return-to-work status is disputed. OWCP claims examiners may require IMEs (called "second opinion" or "referee" examinations in the federal system) to resolve disputes between the treating physician and the carrier's medical consultant.
For attorneys: Dr. Vally provides detailed, evidence-based IME reports that withstand cross-examination. Reports include a thorough review of all available medical records, comprehensive physical examination findings, clearly stated medical opinions with supporting rationale, and AMA Guides-based impairment ratings when requested. IMEs are available at all four Hawaii locations. Call (808) 935-6353 to schedule.
Dr. Vally provides objective, evidence-based IME reports for workers' comp, OWCP, and personal injury cases at four Hawaii locations.
Call (808) 935-6353 →Available at all 4 locations • Mon–Fri 8am–4pm
