Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)

Orthopedic Independent Medical Examination

Dr. Horner has completed hundreds of independent medical examinations for attorneys, insurers, employers and third-party administrators, with efficient scheduling at three Chicagoland offices and prompt report turnaround.

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Definition

An independent medical examination (IME) is a single orthopedic evaluation performed at the request of a party other than the examinee, addressing diagnosis, causation, treatment appropriateness, current clinical status, work capacity and permanency. It is an evaluation, not treatment.

Volume: Hundreds of IMEs completed
Locations: Oak Brook, St. Charles, Little Village (Chicago)
Report turnaround: Typically 3–7 business days
Scheduling: Online IME scheduling

Who requests an IME

IMEs are requested by defense and plaintiff attorneys, insurance carriers, self-insured employers, third-party administrators and workers' compensation professionals when an objective orthopedic assessment is needed to evaluate a claim or a disputed medical issue.

What the examination covers

History of the injury and the reported mechanism
Review of records, imaging and prior treatment
Focused orthopedic physical examination of the involved region
Assessment of consistency between reported symptoms and objective findings
Current clinical status and treatment appropriateness
Work restrictions, functional capacity and permanency when asked

How the process works

The referral is submitted with the available records and a written list of questions. The examination is scheduled at Oak Brook, St. Charles or Little Village. Following the examination, a written report is prepared that addresses each question in order, references the supporting findings, and states clearly where the evidence is insufficient to reach a conclusion.

Reports are typically returned within 3–7 business days of receiving complete materials; unusually large record sets may take longer.

What the report contains

Materials reviewed and history obtained
Objective examination findings
Diagnosis and its supporting evidence
Causation analysis, including pre-existing conditions
Opinion on past and proposed treatment
Work status, restrictions and permanency where requested

Scheduling and fees

Schedule an examination or deposition

Examinations and depositions can be booked directly online. Record reviews and case inquiries are coordinated by email through Delaney Loprieno.

Schedule an IME Schedule a deposition View fee schedule (PDF)

Common questions

What is an independent medical examination?

An IME is a one-time orthopedic evaluation requested by a party other than the patient — an attorney, insurer, employer or administrator — to answer specific medical questions. It is not treatment and does not create a physician-patient relationship.

Where are examinations performed?

At all three offices where Dr. Horner practices: Oak Brook, St. Charles, and Little Village in Chicago.

How quickly can an IME be scheduled?

Examinations are scheduled online through the IME scheduling link, generally within a short interval, and reports are typically returned within 3 to 7 business days of receiving complete materials. Unusually large record sets or matters requiring additional information may take longer.

What should be sent before the examination?

Relevant medical records, imaging and radiology reports, operative reports, prior IME reports, and a written list of the questions to be addressed. Records should be transmitted through an appropriate secure process.

Request a case review

Submit preliminary case information and the requested service. Reports are typically returned within 3–7 business days of receiving complete materials; unusually large record sets may take longer.