What an IME Doctor Is Really There to Do — and How It Can Affect Your Luzerne County Claim

If you have filed a personal injury claim in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, there is a good chance the insurance company will ask you to attend an Independent Medical Examination, often called an IME. The name suggests neutrality, but many injured people are surprised to learn that the doctor performing the exam is selected and paid by the insurance company. In many Luzerne County cases, insurance carriers schedule exams through vendors such as ExamWorks or MES Solutions, often sending claimants to unfamiliar offices outside their normal treatment network.

For injured residents in Wilkes-Barre and throughout Luzerne County, an IME can play a significant role in how a claim is evaluated, delayed, or denied. Understanding what this exam is, why it is requested, and how it may affect your case can help you avoid common mistakes.

At Munley Law, our Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorneys regularly prepare clients for IMEs and challenge unfair conclusions when they arise. With more than 65 years of experience and over $1 billion recovered for injured clients, our team knows how these exams are used and how to protect your claim.

What an Independent Medical Examination (IME) Is

An IME is a medical evaluation requested by an insurance company in connection with a personal injury claim or workers’ compensation case. It is typically performed by a physician experienced in evaluating injuries similar to yours.

This is very different from the ongoing care you may receive through providers like Geisinger Wyoming Valley or Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, where doctors track your recovery over time. Despite the title, the IME doctor is not your treating physician and does not provide ongoing care. The purpose of the exam is to assess your condition and provide an opinion that the insurance company can use when deciding how much your claim is worth. 

In many cases, the IME is requested after you have already been diagnosed and treated by your own doctors. The insurer uses the exam to seek a second opinion, often focusing on whether your injuries are as serious as claimed, whether they are related to the incident, and whether further treatment is necessary.

Who the IME Doctor Works For

One of the most important facts about an IME is that the doctor is chosen and compensated by the insurance company. This does not automatically mean the doctor will be unfair, but it does mean their role is not the same as your personal physician.

IME doctors are typically hired to:

• Review your medical records
• Conduct a brief physical examination
• Answer specific questions posed by the insurer
• Prepare a written report that may be used in settlement negotiations or litigation

The insurance company may rely heavily on this report when evaluating your claim. In some cases, the IME opinion is used to justify reducing benefits, disputing the extent of injuries, or denying ongoing treatment.

What Happens During an IME in Luzerne County

Most IMEs are shorter and more limited than a typical doctor’s visit. The physician may ask about how the injury occurred, your symptoms, your medical history, and your current limitations.

The physical examination itself may be brief. Some patients are surprised by how little time is spent evaluating their condition compared to visits with their treating doctors.

After the appointment, the IME doctor prepares a report summarizing their findings. This report often includes opinions about:

• Whether your injury is related to the accident
• The severity of your condition
• Whether you have reached maximum medical improvement
• Whether additional treatment is necessary
• Whether you can return to work or normal activities

This written opinion can carry weight, especially if the insurance company uses it to challenge your claim.

How an IME Can Affect Your Luzerne County Claim

An IME has the potential to influence several key aspects of your case. Insurance companies often use these exams as part of a broader strategy to limit payouts.

Disputing the cause of your injury. The IME doctor may claim that your condition is pre-existing or unrelated to the accident. This can be used to argue that the insurer is not responsible for certain medical expenses.

Minimizing the severity of injuries. Some IME reports downplay symptoms or suggest that injuries are less serious than described by your treating physicians.

Cutting off medical treatment. In workers’ compensation cases, an IME may be used to argue that you have fully recovered or no longer need treatment.

Reducing the value of your claim. If the IME doctor concludes that your injuries are minor or temporary, the insurance company may offer a lower settlement.

How to Prepare for an IME

If you are scheduled for an IME in places like Kingston, Pittston, Nanticoke, or Mountain Top, taking a few practical steps can help protect your claim.

• Be honest and accurate when describing your symptoms and limitations. Do not exaggerate, but do not minimize what you are experiencing
• Review your medical history so you can answer questions consistently with your records.
• Arrive on time and follow any instructions provided for the exam.
• Pay attention to how the exam is conducted. In some cases, the duration and scope of the evaluation may become relevant later.
• Avoid discussing fault or legal issues. The IME is focused on your medical condition, not the details of your case.

Challenging an Unfair IME

An unfavorable IME report does not end your case. There are several ways to respond if the conclusions are inaccurate or incomplete.

At Munley Law, our Wilkes-Barre personal injury team can:

• Compare the IME report with your treating physicians’ records
• Obtain opinions from medical specialists
• Highlight inconsistencies or unsupported conclusions
• Cross-examine the IME doctor if the case proceeds to litigation

In many cases, the credibility of your treating doctors carries significant weight, especially when they have an established history of care and a detailed understanding of your condition. A strong legal strategy focuses on the full picture of your injury, not just a single examination arranged by the insurer.

If you have been injured in Luzerne County and have questions about an upcoming IME or a report that does not seem accurate, our team is available to help you understand your options and protect your claim. Contact Munley Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Wilkes-Barre
1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406