After a serious car accident or injury in Michigan, you may be asked to attend a medical exam arranged by the insurance company. This type of appointment is referred to as an Independent Medical Examination, or IME. While the term “independent” suggests fairness, these exams are not always as neutral as they appear. In reality, the doctor is chosen and paid by the insurance company—not by you.
If you’ve never been through an IME, you may not know what to expect or how to handle it. But it’s important to understand what this process involves, why it’s requested, and how it can affect your personal injury claim.
Why Insurance Companies Schedule These Exams
Under Michigan’s no-fault insurance system, your own insurer is generally responsible for paying your medical bills and wage loss after a crash, regardless of who was at fault. If your injuries are significant and ongoing, the insurance company may question whether the treatment you’re receiving is necessary or whether your injuries are as serious as claimed. To assess this, they may require you to attend an IME.
This is not the same as a visit to your treating physician. The IME doctor is not there to provide treatment or care. Instead, they are there to evaluate your condition from a legal and insurance standpoint. Their report can have a major impact on whether the insurance company continues to pay for your treatment or denies further coverage.
Who Performs the Exam and What They Are Looking For
The insurance company selects the doctor, and they often choose someone with experience in writing reports that support their decisions. These physicians typically focus on certain areas of medicine, such as orthopedics, neurology, or physical rehabilitation. The doctor will review your medical records, conduct a physical examination, and may ask detailed questions about your accident and current limitations.
They are often looking for signs that:
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Your injuries are not as serious as reported
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You have recovered enough to stop treatment
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The treatment you’re receiving is unrelated to the accident
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Your condition is due to a pre-existing injury or other cause
This can be frustrating, especially when you are still dealing with pain and limited mobility. But knowing their goals helps you prepare.
What Happens During the Appointment
An IME is typically a short appointment, often lasting between 15 and 45 minutes. You will not receive any medication or treatment during the visit. The doctor will likely start by reviewing your medical history, including records provided by your current doctors. You may also be asked to explain how the injury happened, what symptoms you’re experiencing, and how those symptoms affect your daily life.
The doctor may:
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Test your range of motion
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Check for muscle strength and reflexes
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Ask questions about pain levels and movement limitations
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Observe your posture, gait, and behavior during the exam
It’s important to be honest but concise. Avoid exaggerating symptoms, but also don’t minimize your pain or downplay your limitations. The doctor may include not only the physical findings but also their observations about your credibility and consistency.
Tips to Handle the IME the Right Way
Even though the process may feel uncomfortable, being prepared can help you protect your rights. Here are some practical steps to take:
1. Understand the purpose of the exam
This is not a neutral medical check-up. It is part of the insurance company’s effort to evaluate whether they can deny or reduce your benefits. Keep that in mind as you answer questions.
2. Be consistent with your medical history
Review your records beforehand so you don’t give conflicting answers. The doctor will likely compare your statements to what’s written in previous reports.
3. Stay professional and calm
The doctor may seem cold or uninterested. Don’t take it personally. Be polite, stick to the facts, and avoid volunteering extra details that could be misinterpreted.
4. Avoid making broad or absolute statements
Phrases like “I can’t do anything” or “I’m in pain all the time” can come off as exaggerated. Instead, describe specific activities that cause pain or limitations.
5. Take mental notes
If possible, make a note of how long the exam took, what was asked, and anything unusual about the doctor’s behavior. This can be useful if your attorney needs to challenge the report.
6. Bring a witness if allowed
Some lawyers recommend having someone accompany you, such as a spouse or friend. Even if they’re not allowed in the room, they can help verify how long the exam took and whether you were treated respectfully.
What Happens After the Exam
Once the IME is completed, the doctor will write a report for the insurance company. You usually will not receive a copy unless your attorney requests it. This report may include a diagnosis, an opinion about whether your condition is accident-related, and whether further treatment is necessary.
Depending on what the doctor says, the insurance company may:
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Approve continued benefits
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Reduce the amount they’re willing to pay
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Deny future treatment or wage loss claims
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Use the report to dispute a lawsuit
If the report is negative and contradicts your treating physician, it can be used to try to cut off your benefits or weaken your personal injury case.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Prepare
If you are scheduled for an IME after an accident, it’s a good idea to talk with a personal injury lawyer. They can help you:
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Understand your rights and obligations
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Prepare for the types of questions you’ll be asked
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Review your medical records for consistency
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Follow up with the insurance company to challenge unfair reports
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Ensure that your treating physician’s opinions are also well-documented
Your attorney may also work with medical experts who can counter the IME report, especially if it contains errors, omissions, or biased conclusions.
Why This Matters in Michigan Injury Cases
In Michigan, no-fault insurance provides important protections, but it doesn’t mean you’re immune to disputes. If an IME leads to a denial of treatment, you could be left paying out-of-pocket or unable to access the care you need.
In cases involving lawsuits—especially if your injuries meet the threshold for filing a third-party claim—the IME report may be used by the defense to argue that you’re not as injured as you claim. This can reduce your chances of a full financial recovery unless it’s properly addressed.
Conclusion
Being asked to attend an IME can feel invasive and stressful, especially when you’re still recovering from an accident. But with the right preparation and support, you can get through the process and protect your claim. Always remember that the exam is not just a medical step—it’s a legal one. What happens in that short appointment can have long-term effects on your injury case. If you’re unsure how to handle the process, speak with a Michigan personal injury lawyer who understands how insurance companies operate and knows how to fight back.
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