Independent medical examinations (IMEs) of an injured plaintiff in a medical malpractice or personal injury case are not truly independent because they are demanded by the insurance company. And since it’s the insurance company who is paying for the examining physician, it’s arguable that a defense bias pervades the whole exam – especially if the MD has a continuing relationship with that insurer (i.e., lots and lots of IMEs).
That’s why plaintiff attorneys need Certified Legal Nurse Consultants to be their watchdog at IMEs. CLNC® consultant Debra Good-Zeiner shares why her attorney-clients value her attendance at IMEs:
“Many of my attorney-clients give me positive reviews on my interaction with their plaintiff’s IMEs because of my warm and fuzzy bedside manner. I am a hand-holder, attentive listener and watch out for the client. Before, during and after IMEs the plaintiff is often nervous, anxious or flat-out scared. I have developed an IME protocol to establish a trust-based relationship, beginning with early interaction.
I am proud to say that I have been refused admittance to only one IME. My strategy to gain admission is to smile, present my business card, maintain a soft, neutral tone and confident manner. But, if the physician attempts to deny my access to the IME I call the attorney. I have even cancelled an appointment due to one physician’s unsportsmanlike conduct.”
Debra Good-Zeiner, RN, MSN, CLNC
Debra is a great reminder of the importance of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants in IMEs. If you are not already delivering this CLNC service to your attorney-clients, today is the day to start!
I’m Just Sayin’
P.S. Comment and share your IME experiences as a CLNC consultant.