Independent Medical Examination

Louisville Orthopedic Dr. Stacie Grossfeld Provides Independent Medical Examination

Board certified orthopedic physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld has about 20 years of professional experience with Independent Medical Examination or IME.

What is an Independent Medical Examination?

An Independent Medical Examination or IME is when a medical care provider like an orthopedic physician provides an objective medical examination of a person.  Typically the physician conducting an Independent Medical Examination is someone who has never been responsible for the examinee’s medical care.  This is because it is very important that an Independent Medical Examination provides an impartial and objective examination of the person.

When is an Independent Medical Examination Necessary?

There are many times when an Independent Medical Examination might be requested and conducted. For example, people sometimes request an Independent Medical Examination to determine the extent of work or accident related injuries.

Independent Medical Examinations are conducted to get an independent and impartial opinion of a person’s clinical status. Dr. Grossfeld does Independent Medical Examinations for insurance companies, plaintiff attorneys, work comp insurance companies, personal injury attorneys, individual patients and any other person seeking this type of examination. Independent Medical Exams are performed while following all standard medical ethics and physician codes of conduct.

Independent Medical Examinations typically involve some type of report or documentation that details the findings of the medical examination. Sometimes an IME is requested in order to determine a diagnosis or to document a clinical course of treatment.

NEXUS Letter (Expert Medical Opinion Concerning Service Connected Disability)

The purpose of a NEXUS letter is to clearly connect a veteran’s current medical condition to another service-connected condition or to circumstances directly related to military service. The VA is required by law to have clear and definite proof that a condition was caused by military service and no other cause before they can provide disability benefits. It is the veteran’s responsibility to provide that proof. No proof, no benefits. A NEXUS letter is a strong form of proof that can bridge gaps in a condition’s link to military service.

If you would like to request an Independent Medical Examination or a NEXUS Letter, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists for more information. Reach Dorothy Cochran, IME Coordinator, by calling 502-212-2663 x 205.