Independent Medical Exams in Colorado Springs

Monument Occupational Medicine provides Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) in Colorado Springs for workers' compensation and other cases requiring an objective medical evaluation. Anjmun Sharma, MD, has extensive experience evaluating work-related injuries and provides thorough examinations, medical record reviews, and independent medical opinions. Contact our office for information about scheduling an IME.

About Independent Medical Exams

Monument Occupational Medicine provides Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) in Colorado Springs for workers' compensation and other cases requiring an objective medical evaluation. Anjmun Sharma, MD, has extensive experience evaluating work-related injuries and medical conditions and provides thorough examinations, medical record reviews, and independent medical opinions. Monument Occupational Medicine works with injured workers, employers, insurance carriers, attorneys, and other parties involved in the evaluation process.

Independent Medical Exams Q&A

What Is an Independent Medical Examination?

An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is an objective medical evaluation performed by a physician who is not providing ongoing treatment for the condition being evaluated.

IMEs are commonly used in workers' compensation cases when an independent medical opinion is needed regarding an injury, diagnosis, treatment, work restrictions, maximum medical improvement, impairment, or other medical questions related to a claim.

The physician's role is to independently evaluate the available medical information and provide professional medical opinions based on the examination, medical records, and applicable standards.

Why Might an Independent Medical Exam Be Requested?

An IME may be requested when additional medical information or an independent opinion is needed regarding a workplace injury or occupational illness.

Questions may involve:

• The diagnosis and nature of an injury
• Whether a condition is related to a workplace incident
• The appropriateness or necessity of treatment
• Current work restrictions or physical limitations
• Whether additional treatment may be appropriate
• Maximum medical improvement (MMI)
• Permanent impairment, when applicable
• Ability to return to work
• Other disputed medical issues related to a workers' compensation claim

The specific purpose of the examination depends on the questions presented in the individual case.

What Happens During an Independent Medical Exam?

Before the examination, Dr. Sharma may review medical records, diagnostic studies, treatment history, job information, and other documentation relevant to the case.

During the appointment, you'll be asked about the injury or medical condition, including how it occurred, your symptoms, previous treatment, current limitations, and other relevant medical history.

A focused physical examination is then performed based on the condition or injury being evaluated. The examination may include assessment of:

• Range of motion
• Strength
• Reflexes
• Neurological function
• Musculoskeletal function
• Areas of pain or limitation
• Functional abilities relevant to the condition

The exact examination varies according to the medical issues involved.

What Happens After an Independent Medical Exam?

Following the evaluation and review of the available medical information, Dr. Sharma prepares an independent medical report addressing the questions presented for the examination.

Depending on the case, the report may address diagnosis, causation, treatment, work restrictions, maximum medical improvement, impairment, or other medical issues relevant to the claim.

The report is provided to the appropriate requesting parties according to the requirements of the case.

Is an IME the Same as a Regular Doctor's Appointment?

No. An independent medical examination is different from an appointment with your treating physician.

The purpose of an IME is to provide an independent medical evaluation and opinion rather than establish an ongoing physician-patient treatment relationship. The examining physician evaluates the specific medical questions presented and documents the findings in a report.

How Should I Prepare for an Independent Medical Exam?

Arrive on time and bring any documentation you've been instructed to provide. Be prepared to discuss:

• How the injury or condition occurred
• Your current symptoms
• Previous medical treatment
• Medications related to the condition
• Diagnostic testing or imaging
• Previous injuries or relevant medical history
• How the condition affects your work and daily activities

Provide complete and accurate information during the evaluation.

Why Choose Monument Occupational Medicine for an IME?

Monument Occupational Medicine provides independent medical evaluations in Colorado Springs for workers' compensation and occupational medicine cases.

Dr. Anjmun Sharma has extensive experience in occupational medicine and workers' compensation evaluations and is a Colorado Level II Accredited Physician. His experience includes independent medical examinations and evaluation of complex workplace injuries and occupational health matters.

Our focus is on thorough medical record review, objective evaluation, clear documentation, and well-supported medical opinions.

Schedule or Request an Independent Medical Examination

For information about an Independent Medical Examination in Colorado Springs, contact Monument Occupational Medicine.

Call 719-445-9852 to discuss scheduling, records requirements, or other information needed for an IME.