While the attending physician’s statement (APS) is a method commonly used by insurance companies to obtain information about an insured’s medical condition, insurance companies are often not satisfied with the input of the insured’s doctor alone. They may also request an independent medical examination (IME).
What Is an IME?
In most disability insurance policies, insurance companies reserve the right to order an independent medical examination at their discretion. Typically, these exams are conducted by a doctor who is chosen and paid by the insurance company. Not surprisingly, when a doctor who is chosen and paid by the insurance company voices his or her opinion about an insured’s medical condition, it is often the opinion that the insurance company wants to hear: that there is no disability and the insured is able to return to work.
Proceed With Caution
If you have been ordered to have an IME, proceed with caution. Contact an experienced lawyer. At DarrasLaw, America’s top disability firm, we will make certain you are treated properly. If possible, we will negotiate with your insurance company to make certain you see a doctor who will offer an unbiased opinion. At the very least, we want to make certain your exam is conducted by a doctor within the right specialty. We want to make certain that all tests are appropriate and that the exam does not exceed its scope.
Our lawyers have more than 100 years of experience extending a helping hand to people like you. We will work to prevent your benefits from being cut off when you need them.
Free Consultations — Independent Medical Examinations Attorneys
Call us at 800-898-7299 or send us an email. Our attorneys offer free consultations about the independent medical examination.
