Why should an independent medical examination (IME) be performed?
What occurs during an independent medical examination?
What type of medical knowledge should an independent medical examiner have?
What are the attributes of an effective independent medical examiner?
What information will the report from the independent medical examination contain?
How long after the independent medical examination will it take for a report to be issued?
What fees are associated with an independent medical examination?
What is the significance of a certification from the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners?
What is the significance of a certification from the American Association of Medical Review Officers?

Why should an independent medical examination (IME) be performed?
Doctor reports often lack important information, therefore the role of an IME is to identify, investigate, and define the important medical issues underlying an accident or injury case.  An independent medical examiner’s highly specialized medical knowledge is utilized to determine the severity or validity of an illness or injury.  An IME may also help determine the propriety of a claim, help in case closure, or assist in trial preparation and during a trial.  Overall, an IME provides an independent, expert opinion that often guides the resolution of a matter by helping parties move past their adversarial positions.
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What occurs during an independent medical examination?
An IME is a thorough medical assessment, which includes an examination of an individual’s medical history.  An IME typically involves an interview, physical examination, and all necessary diagnostic tests, such as lab work, x-rays, MRI's, and CAT scans.  The IME often includes questions about the medical condition on the following topics:

• Diagnosis and treatment (if necessary)
• Extent the injury is work related and affects the individual’s future ability to work
• Contributing factors to the injury (such as drug or alcohol use)
• Whether the injury is permanent or temporary

As an experienced examiner, Dr. Myerson uses his extensive knowledge of occupational and environmental medicine to reach an accurate conclusion, in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
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What type of medical knowledge should an independent medical examiner have?
An effective independent medical examiner must have expertise on the specific type of injury or illness at issue.  For example:

• An individual complaining of shortness of breath due to the presence of mold at their workplace requires an examiner with knowledge of environmental medicine and respiratory issues.
• An individual claiming to have suffered a serious reaction to food from a restaurant, who had been acting erratically or had a history substance abuse, requires an examiner with experience in conducting drug and toxicology tests.

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What are the attributes of an effective independent medical examiner?
An independent medical examiner must have considerable medical knowledge, through both experience and education.  The examiner must combine those attributes with the ability to provide an independent, impartial, and thorough analysis of an individual’s condition.  Dr. Myerson has an M.D. and M.P.H., along with 25 years of clinical practice, many of which were spent in leadership positions and in emergency medical practice. Dr. Myerson also has worked as a consultant for more than a decade, and therefore understands how to provide an objective, comprehensive medical assessment. Consequently, based on his knowledge and experience, Dr. Myerson meets the profile of an effective independent medical examiner.
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What information will the report from the independent medical examination contain?
The content of reports following an IME varies depending on the medical issues involved in each case.  Dr. Myerson’s reports reflect his expansive medical knowledge, as well as his specific expertise in the areas of occupational and environmental medicine.  Reports will clearly address any questions posed prior to the examination and provide the basis on which Dr. Myerson reached any conclusions.
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How long after the independent medical examination will it take for a report to be issued?
The length of time that Dr.  Myerson’s takes to issue a report following an examination depends on the medical issues present for each case.  He typically issues a report within 30 days of the examination.
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What fees are associated with an independent medical examination?
There is no set fee for an independent medical examination.  The cost of an examination is determined by the amount of medical records reviewed, length of disability or impairment, and the level of complexity for a case.
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What is the significance of a certification from the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners?
Certified physicians have demonstrated that they possess the knowledge, skills, experience, and abilities required to serve as independent medical examiners as determined by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME).  A certification from the ABIME means a physician is considered to have demonstrated his professional capacity to perform independent medical and impairment evaluations according to the profession's performance standards.  Dr. Myerson is certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners.
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What is the significance of a certification from the American Association of Medical Review Officers?
Medical Review Officers are responsible for determining the validity of drug test results.  An American Association of Medical Review Officers certification means an individual is considered a competent professional, able to ethically conduct drug and alcohol testing and determine the accuracy of such tests.  Dr. Myerson is certified by the American Association of Medical Review Officers.
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