An Ortho IME (Independent Medical Examination) is needed when the injury claim is related to the body’s musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves and tendons.
How to Select a Skilled Ortho IME in Anaheim
When it comes to selecting the Orthopedic IME in Anaheim, it is important to ensure the Orthopedic Surgeon involved has the appropriate board certifications, extensive clinical and surgical experience and is skilled at conducting Orthopedic IMEs. In addition to having board certification in Orthopedic Surgery, according The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, there are also two subspecialty certifications available to Orthopedic Surgeons, (1) Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and (2) Surgery of the Hand. Additionally, Orthopedic Surgeons may specialize in certain areas of the body, such as the foot and ankle, hand, shoulder and elbow, spine, hip or knee. Orthopaedic surgeons may also decide to focus on specific fields like pediatrics, trauma, reconstructive surgery, oncology (bone tumors) or sports medicine. When determining the specific need for an Ortho IME, it is important to also consider the body part involved.
A thorough Ortho IME
In the capacity of an Ortho IME, an Orthopedic Surgeon conducts an extensive, thorough, unbiased, and impartial examination of the injured party, ensuring that all complaints and issues are addressed at the time of the evaluation. Appropriate history is taken and testing is performed in order to arrive at a medical determination, which is then presented in telephonic consultation and/or written report form. A thorough Orthopedic IME should take several hours, usually 10-20 hours, depending on complexity of the case. On average, this time would include record review, facetime with injured party, report preparation and writing and any research needed to provide a strong medical determination. There are several factors that determine case complexity for an Ortho IME, such as medical history and number of body parts involved.
Due to the nature of most injuries, ortho IMEs are in high demand in Anaheim California. However, it is important to not only request an Ortho IME, but you should also request an Ortho IME with the correct subspecialty.
