What Is an Independent Medical Examination (IME) After a Georgia Car Accident?

By JD Law Group | Georgia Car Accident Attorneys

Attorney Insight: Many injured people hear the word "independent" and assume an IME is the same as a normal medical appointment. It is not. An IME serves a specific purpose in the claims process. Understanding who requested the examination, why it is occurring, and how the results may be used can help accident victims approach the process prepared.

After a Georgia car accident, you may receive a letter or phone call asking you to attend something called an:

Independent Medical Examination (IME).

At first, the name can sound reassuring.

"Independent" sounds like the doctor is a neutral third party who is simply trying to help determine what happened.

But many accident victims are left wondering:

• Why does the insurance company want me to see another doctor?

• Do I have to attend?

• Is the doctor really independent?

• Can the examination hurt my injury claim?

• What happens if the doctor disagrees with my treating physician?

Understanding what an IME is—and what it is not—can help you make informed decisions after a Georgia accident.

What Is an Independent Medical Examination?

An Independent Medical Examination is a medical evaluation performed by a doctor who is not providing ongoing treatment to the injured person.

The purpose of an IME is generally to obtain another medical opinion about issues such as:

• The nature of an injury

• Whether the accident caused the injury

• Whether medical treatment is reasonable

• Whether additional treatment is necessary

• The extent of impairment or limitations

An IME is typically requested by an insurance company, employer, or another party involved in a claim.

Why Does the Insurance Company Want an IME?

Insurance companies often request IMEs because they want additional information before making decisions about a claim.

An insurer may want to evaluate questions such as:

• Are the reported injuries related to the accident?

• Is the current treatment necessary?

• Are there pre-existing conditions involved?

• Has the person reached maximum medical improvement?

• Are there ongoing restrictions?

The insurance company is entitled to investigate claims, but accident victims should understand the purpose of the examination and how the results may be used.

Is an IME Doctor Really "Independent"?

The word "independent" can be confusing.

An IME doctor is generally not your treating physician.

The doctor is usually selected and paid by the party requesting the examination, often an insurance company.

That does not mean the doctor is automatically unfair or that the opinion is invalid.

However, it is important to understand that an IME serves a different purpose than your regular medical care.

Your treating doctor focuses on:

• Diagnosing your condition

• Providing treatment

• Helping you recover

An IME doctor typically focuses on:

• Evaluating your condition

• Reviewing records

• Providing an opinion for the claim

Do I Have to Attend an Independent Medical Examination?

Whether you must attend an IME depends on the circumstances.

Possible factors include:

• The type of insurance claim

• The language of an insurance policy

• Whether litigation has begun

• Court rules or discovery procedures

• Applicable Georgia law

For example, certain insurance policies may include provisions allowing examinations under specific circumstances.

If you receive an IME request, it is important not to ignore it.

Failing to respond appropriately could create problems for your claim.

What Happens During an IME?

An IME may involve:

• Reviewing your medical history

• Discussing your accident

• Asking about symptoms

• Performing a physical examination

• Reviewing medical records

• Evaluating your current condition

The doctor may ask questions about:

• How the accident happened

• When symptoms started

• Your treatment history

• Previous injuries

• Your daily activities

What Should I Do During an IME?

The most important rule is:

Be Honest

Do not exaggerate your symptoms.

Do not minimize your symptoms.

Answer questions truthfully and accurately.

Credibility matters.

Describe Your Symptoms Clearly

Explain:

• Where you hurt

• What activities cause problems

• How your injuries affect your daily life

• Changes you have experienced since the accident

Do Not Guess

If you do not remember something, say so.

It is better to explain that you are unsure than to provide inaccurate information.

Can an IME Doctor Review My Medical Records?

Yes.

An IME doctor may review medical information related to the evaluation.

This may include:

• Medical records

• Imaging studies

• Treatment notes

• Prior medical history

• Other documentation provided for review

Understanding what records are being provided can be important.

Can an IME Doctor Disagree With My Doctor?

Yes.

Different doctors may have different opinions.

An IME doctor may disagree about:

• The cause of an injury

• The need for treatment

• The severity of symptoms

• Future medical needs

A disagreement does not automatically mean one doctor is correct and the other is wrong.

Medical opinions must be evaluated based on:

• Qualifications

• Examination findings

• Medical records

• Diagnostic evidence

• Reasoning supporting the opinion

Can an IME Hurt My Personal Injury Claim?

An IME can affect a claim because the results may be considered during negotiations or litigation.

For example, an insurance company may rely on an IME report to argue:

• Treatment was unnecessary

• Injuries are less serious than claimed

• The accident did not cause certain symptoms

However, an IME is only one piece of evidence.

Your medical records, treating physicians' opinions, testimony, and other evidence may also be important.

How Should I Prepare for an IME?

Before attending:

Review Your Medical History

Know:

• Dates of treatment

• Providers you have seen

• Diagnoses you received

• Procedures performed

Bring Necessary Information

Follow any instructions regarding:

• Medical records

• Imaging

• Medication lists

• Identification

• Forms

Be Consistent

Your answers should be consistent with your medical records and previous statements.

Understand the Purpose

Remember that this is an evaluation—not a treatment appointment.

The doctor is not taking over your care.

Common Mistakes During an IME

Mistake #1: Treating It Like a Regular Doctor Visit

The purpose is different.

An IME is an evaluation, not ongoing medical care.

Mistake #2: Exaggerating Symptoms

Overstating limitations can damage credibility.

Be accurate.

Mistake #3: Saying You Are "Fine" Out of Habit

Many people automatically say:

"I'm good."

even when they are still experiencing pain.

Answer medical questions honestly.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Request

Failing to respond to an IME request can create unnecessary complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an independent medical examination required after a Georgia car accident?

It depends on the circumstances, including the type of claim, insurance policy provisions, and whether the case is in litigation.

Is an IME doctor working for the insurance company?

The doctor is usually selected and paid by the party requesting the examination. The doctor is not typically the injured person's treating physician.

Can an IME doctor deny my injury claim?

An IME doctor does not decide whether you win or lose your claim. The doctor's opinion may become evidence considered during negotiations or litigation.

Should I have a lawyer before attending an IME?

If you are involved in a significant injury claim, understanding your rights and responsibilities before an IME can be important. An attorney can help you prepare and understand the process.

An IME Is Not Just Another Doctor Appointment

An Independent Medical Examination can feel intimidating, especially when you are already dealing with pain, medical bills, and an insurance claim.

The key is understanding the purpose of the examination and approaching it carefully.

Be truthful. Be prepared. Understand your rights.

An IME is one part of the claims process—not the entire story of your injury.

If you've been injured in a Georgia car accident and received an IME request from an insurance company, the attorneys at JD Law Group can help you understand what to expect and how it may affect your claim.

Contact JD Law Group today for a free consultation. There is no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Douglas Chanco is a Roswell, Georgia personal injury attorney at JD Law Group, LLC located at 912 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell. Douglas Chanco focuses on car crashes, truck wrecks, uninsured motorist claims, and serious injury litigation.

"The biggest mistake Georgia drivers make is giving a recorded statement before understanding the full extent of their injuries." — Douglas Chanco