Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists
  • Our Doctors
    • About Us
    • Maurice Jové, M.D.
    • Nathan Jové, M.D. >
      • Español
    • Jeff Traub, M.D.
    • Brandon Tolman, D.O.
    • Physician Assistants >
      • Omid Midanaky, PA-C
      • Aidan O'Connor, MPH, PA-C
      • Elissa Stanton, PA-C
  • Locations
    • Decatur
    • Loganville
    • Snellville
  • Appointments
    • Online Scheduling
    • Citas Ortopédicas (ES)
    • Second Opinion >
      • Elite Athlete Second Opinions
      • Second Opinion
    • Self-Pay MRI
    • Medical Tourism
  • Patient Resources
    • Español >
      • Atención Ortopédica Urgente en Español
      • Radiografías el Mismo Día para Lesiones
      • Inyecciones de Cortisona el Mismo Día
    • Urgent Orthopaedic Care >
      • Urgent Orthopaedic Care
      • Same-Day Sports Injury Care
      • Joint Dislocation Treatment & Reduction
      • Swollen Knee Treatment & Joint Aspiration
      • Same-Day Cortisone Shots and Joint Injections
    • Social Media >
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • LinkedIN
      • Twitter
      • YouTube
      • Nathan Jove Social Media >
        • @theorthopedicsurgeon on Instagram
        • @theorthopedicsurgeon on Youtube
    • Billing & Insurance >
      • Payments
      • Cost Estimator
      • Insurance
    • Patient Forms & Requests >
      • Forms
      • Medical Records
      • Prescription Refill Request >
        • Decatur
        • Loganville
    • Bracing
    • Conditions Treated >
      • Arthritis
      • Avascular Necrosis
      • Sports Injuries
    • MRI
    • MRI Review
    • Reviews
    • Affiliate Hospital Resources >
      • Emory Decatur Hospital
      • Atlanta Outpatient Surgery Center
    • Saturday Clinic
    • What To Expect
    • Blog
    • FAQ >
      • Blood Clots After Orthopedic Surgery
      • FAQ
      • Video
      • What is an Orthopedic Doctor
      • Home Therapy
    • Orthopedic Survey Center >
      • Outpatient Total Joint Replacement Survey
      • Painful Knee Replacement Survey
      • Painful Hip Replacement Survey
      • Rotator Cuff Surgery Survey
      • Meniscus Tear Survey
      • Partial Knee Replacement Survey
      • Self-Pay MRI Request Form
      • Elite Athlete Second Opinion Survey
      • Orthopedic Second Opinions & MRI Review | Dr. Nathan Jové
    • Privacy Policy
  • Specialties
    • Joint Replacement Center >
      • Hip >
        • Hip Replacement Second Opinion
        • Anterior Hip Replacement
        • Total Hip Replacement
        • Painful Hip Replacement
      • Knee >
        • Knee Replacement Second Opinion
        • Total Knee Replacement
        • Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery
        • Painful Knee Replacement
        • Anterior Reference Knee Replacement
        • Partial Knee Replacement
        • Patellofemoral Replacement
        • Tourniquet-less Knee Replacement
        • How to Prepare and What to Expect Knee Surgery
      • Shoulder >
        • Shoulder Replacement Second Opinion
        • Total Shoulder Replacement
        • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
        • Shoulder Surgery
      • Ankle >
        • Total Ankle Replacement
      • Outpatient Joint Replacement Center
      • Revision Surgery >
        • Revision Knee Replacement
        • Revision Hip Replacement Surgery
        • Metal on Metal Hip Problems
      • Metal Sensitivity and Nickel Allergy
      • Infections >
        • Hip and Knee Replacement Infections
    • Knee >
      • Knee Surgery
      • Knee Arthritis
      • Cartilage Repair & Restoration
      • Meniscus Tears
      • ACL Tears
      • MACI Cartilage Repair
      • Patella (Kneecap) Instability
      • MPFL Tear & Patellar Instability
      • Patella (Kneecap) Dislocation
      • Knee MCL Injuries
      • Knee AVN
      • Quadriceps Tendon Tear
      • Patellar Tendon Tear
    • Shoulder >
      • Shoulder Surgery
      • Rotator Cuff Tears
      • SLAP Tears
      • Labral Tears
      • Shoulder Arthritis
      • Shoulder Dislocation/s
      • Shoulder AVN
    • Hip >
      • Hip Surgery
      • Hip Arthritis
      • Hip AVN
      • Hip Labral Tears
      • Femoroacetabular Impingement
      • Gluteus Medius & Minimus Tears
      • Greater Trochanteric Bursitis
    • Foot and Ankle >
      • Achilles Tendon Tears
      • Ankle Sprains and Recurrent Instability
      • Syndesmosis (High Ankle) Sprain
      • Ankle Arthritis
      • Ankle (Talus) AVN
      • Kohler's Disease- Navicular AVN
      • Tarsal Tunnel Release
    • Elbow, Hand & Wrist >
      • Carpal Tunnel Sydnrome
      • Cubittal Tunnel Syndrome
      • Elbow UCL Injuries
      • Trigger Finger
      • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
      • Biceps Tears
    • Robotic Surgery >
      • Robotic Knee Replacement with AI
      • Robotic Hip Replacement with AI
    • Arthroscopic Surgery
    • Regenerative Medicine >
      • Overview
      • Stem Cell Therapy & BMAC
      • Cartilage Restoration
      • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections
      • Hyaluronic Gel Injections - Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists
      • Amniotic Tissue
      • Peptides & BPC-157: Evidence Review
    • Fracture Care >
      • Fracture Care
      • Shoulder >
        • Collarbone (Clavicle) Fracture
        • Proximal Humerus Fractures
      • Upper Arm (Humerus) >
        • Humerus Shaft Fractures
      • Elbow >
        • Radial Head Fractures
        • Olecranon (Elbow) Fractures
      • Forearm >
        • Radius Fractures
        • Ulna Fractures
        • Both Bone Forearm Fractures
      • Hand & Wrist >
        • Broken Wrist/Distal Radius Fracture
        • Metacarpal Fractures
        • Finger Fractures
      • Hip & Femur >
        • Hip Fractures
        • Femoral Shaft Fractures
      • Knee >
        • Patella (Kneecap) Fractures
        • Tibial Plateau Fractures
        • Distal Femur Fractures
      • Tibia (Shinbone) >
        • Tibia & Shinbone Fractures
      • Foot & Ankle >
        • Ankle Fractures
        • Calcaneus Fractures
        • Jones Fractures
      • Fracture Nonunion & Malunion
      • Periprosthetic Fractures
    • Ultrasound & Guided Injections
    • EMG
    • Español >
      • Manguito Rotador
      • Reemplazo de Rodilla
      • Reemplazo de Cadera
      • Reemplazo de Hombro
      • Lesiones por Accidentes
      • Dislocación e Inestabilidad del Hombro
      • Desgarro de Menisco
      • Fracturas y Huesos Rotos
      • Dedo en Gatillo
  • Workers Compensation
    • Submit a Referral
    • Injuries We Treat
    • Adjusters & Case Managers
    • Direct Physician Contacts
    • Workers Compensation Overview
    • Care & Documentation
    • Neck & Back Injuries
    • Shoulder & Knee Injuries
    • Compensación Laboral
  • For Professionals
    • Physician Referrals
    • Attorney Referrals
    • Orthopedic Expert Witness
    • Independent Medical Examination
    • Car Accident Orthopedic Care
    • Job Opportunities
Objective Orthopedic Review

Independent Medical Examinations and Orthopedic Impairment Ratings in Atlanta

Board-certified orthopedic surgeons providing independent medical examinations, permanent impairment ratings, record and imaging reviews, surgical opinions and clear medicolegal documentation for referral sources throughout metro Atlanta and across Georgia.

Request an IME › Call 404-298-3730 Orthopedic Expert Witness Services ›
Board-Certified Surgeons Independent orthopedic expertise
Records & Imaging Review Medical documentation evaluated
Objective Conclusions No predetermined outcome
Clear Written Reports Findings and opinions documented
Understanding the Evaluation

What Is an Independent Medical Examination?

An IME provides an independent medical opinion from a physician who is not directing the examinee’s ongoing treatment.

Independent Medical Examination

Independent Review of the Medical Questions

An Independent Medical Examination, commonly referred to as an IME, is performed by a physician who is not involved in the examinee’s ongoing care. The evaluating physician may review prior medical records, diagnostic imaging, operative reports, therapy documentation and other relevant information before performing a focused history and physical examination.

The purpose is to help address specific questions concerning diagnosis, causation, treatment, work status, maximum medical improvement, permanent impairment or the need for additional care.

PPD / Impairment Rating

Permanent Partial Disability and Impairment

A permanent impairment or Permanent Partial Disability rating assigns a percentage value to measurable, lasting loss of function after the individual has reached maximum medical improvement.

The rating is not simply an estimate of pain. It is based on applicable examination findings, medical documentation and the impairment methodology required for the matter.

Applicable AMA Guides

Impairment ratings are prepared using the edition and methodology applicable to the jurisdiction and matter involved. For Georgia workers’ compensation cases, permanent impairment ratings are generally based on the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Fifth Edition.

Who We Work With

Orthopedic IME Services for Legal and Claims Professionals

Our physicians provide independent orthopedic evaluations for referral sources throughout metro Atlanta and across Georgia.

AT
Attorneys and Law Firms
IC
Insurance Carriers
CA
Claims Adjusters
CM
Nurse Case Managers
ER
Employers and Risk Managers
TPA
Third-Party Administrators
Available Evaluations

Independent Orthopedic Review Services

The scope of the evaluation can be tailored to the specific referral questions and needs of the matter.

01

Independent Medical Examination

Focused orthopedic history, physical examination, review of relevant documentation and a written independent medical opinion.

02

Permanent Impairment or PPD Rating

Evaluation of measurable permanent functional loss using the applicable impairment guide and jurisdictional methodology.

03

Medical Record and Imaging Review

Review of prior office notes, operative reports, therapy records, X-rays, MRI studies, CT scans and other relevant medical information.

04

Surgical Second Opinion

Independent assessment of whether a proposed orthopedic procedure is supported by the history, examination, imaging and documented treatment course.

05

Maximum Medical Improvement Review

Evaluation of whether the condition appears medically stable and whether additional care is reasonably expected to produce material functional improvement.

06

Work Status and Restrictions

Orthopedic assessment of physical capabilities, functional limitations, work restrictions and return-to-work considerations.

07

Causation and Apportionment

Review of whether the reported condition is medically consistent with the described event and whether prior disease or injury contributes to the current findings.

08

Future Treatment Recommendations

Evidence-based review of whether additional testing, therapy, injections, surgery or other orthopedic treatment appears indicated.

Our Role in the Process

Independent Means Independent

Atlanta Bone & Joint Specialists is a group of board-certified orthopedic surgeons committed to providing an objective opinion based on the available medical evidence. Our conclusions are not predetermined by the party requesting the examination.

The final opinion may support, modify or disagree with a prior diagnosis, treatment recommendation or claimed level of impairment.

When a claim is not supported by the objective findings, that will be documented. When there is significant injury or permanent loss, it will not be minimized.

Our Job During an IME

âś“ Provide the facts clearly and professionally
âś“ Review the available records and diagnostic imaging
âś“ Use evidence-based orthopedic principles
âś“ Address the specific questions submitted
âś“ Recommend additional treatment when medically supported
âś“ Document impairment ratings and methodology clearly
Referral Questions

Questions an Orthopedic IME May Address

The requesting party should identify the specific questions that need to be addressed so the examination and report can remain focused.

Is the reported diagnosis supported by the examination and records?
Are the findings medically consistent with the reported injury?
Has the prior treatment been reasonable and medically necessary?
Is additional treatment, testing or surgery indicated?
Has the individual reached maximum medical improvement?
Are work restrictions supported by the orthopedic findings?
Is there measurable permanent impairment or loss of function?
What prognosis and future orthopedic care are reasonably anticipated?
Did a preexisting condition contribute to the current findings?
Is the proposed operation supported by the available medical evidence?
What to Expect

The Independent Medical Examination Process

A well-organized referral helps the physician provide a more focused and useful report.

1

Submit the Request

Identify the requested service, body part, physician and specific medical questions.

2

Provide Documentation

Relevant medical records, operative reports and imaging should be supplied for review.

3

Focused Examination

The physician performs an independent orthopedic history and physical examination.

4

Written Report

Findings, opinions, recommendations and any impairment rating are documented clearly.

Our Orthopedic Physicians

Experienced Orthopedic IME Evaluators

Requested physician availability and the appropriate subspecialty match can be discussed when the referral is submitted.

Maurice Jové, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon
Nathan Jové, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon
Jeff Traub, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon
Brandon Tolman, D.O. Interventional Spine
Preparing the Referral

Information to Provide With the IME Request

The existing request form below begins the scheduling process. Supporting materials can then be coordinated with our office.

Case Information

Name of the individual being examined
Date of injury and body part involved
Claim number or case reference
Jurisdiction and type of matter
Requested physician, when applicable
Requested examination or report deadline

Medical Materials

Relevant medical and therapy records
Prior operative reports
X-rays, MRI studies, CT scans or other imaging
Job description or physical demand information
Prior impairment ratings, when available
Specific questions the report should address
Statewide Georgia Referrals

Orthopedic IME Services for Metro Atlanta and Throughout Georgia

Atlanta Bone & Joint Specialists accepts independent medical examination referrals from attorneys, employers, insurance carriers, claims professionals, nurse case managers and third-party administrators throughout metro Atlanta and across the state of Georgia.

Examinations are available through our Decatur, Snellville and Loganville offices. The most appropriate office can be selected based on the examinee’s location, physician availability and the orthopedic issue being evaluated.

Decatur Office Serving Atlanta-area examinees while coordinating orthopedic IME referrals from attorneys, employers and claims professionals throughout Georgia
Snellville Office Serving metro Atlanta examinees while coordinating orthopedic IME referrals from communities and organizations throughout Georgia
Loganville Office Serving Georgia examinees while coordinating orthopedic IME referrals from communities across the state
Submit a Referral

Request an Independent Medical Examination

Complete the existing request form directly below. Please identify the requested service, preferred physician, body part involved and a brief description of the matter.

    Schedule an Independent Medical Examination

Submit IME Request

​Call to Schedule Your Appointment Today
SE HABLA ESPAÑOL!

Office Hours / Horario
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Lunes–Viernes: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Saturday Football Clinic
Saturdays during high school football season
Sábados durante la temporada de fútbol americano escolar
Injured Players Only / Solo jugadores lesionados
Media Room
News, videos, interviews and practice updates.
Visit the Media Room
Decatur: 404-296-5005 Snellville: 770-985-9330 Loganville: 770-564-3393
© Atlanta Bone & Joint Specialists
Second Opinions Media Room
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  • Our Doctors
    • About Us
    • Maurice Jové, M.D.
    • Nathan Jové, M.D. >
      • Español
    • Jeff Traub, M.D.
    • Brandon Tolman, D.O.
    • Physician Assistants >
      • Omid Midanaky, PA-C
      • Aidan O'Connor, MPH, PA-C
      • Elissa Stanton, PA-C
  • Locations
    • Decatur
    • Loganville
    • Snellville
  • Appointments
    • Online Scheduling
    • Citas Ortopédicas (ES)
    • Second Opinion >
      • Elite Athlete Second Opinions
      • Second Opinion
    • Self-Pay MRI
    • Medical Tourism
  • Patient Resources
    • Español >
      • Atención Ortopédica Urgente en Español
      • Radiografías el Mismo Día para Lesiones
      • Inyecciones de Cortisona el Mismo Día
    • Urgent Orthopaedic Care >
      • Urgent Orthopaedic Care
      • Same-Day Sports Injury Care
      • Joint Dislocation Treatment & Reduction
      • Swollen Knee Treatment & Joint Aspiration
      • Same-Day Cortisone Shots and Joint Injections
    • Social Media >
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • LinkedIN
      • Twitter
      • YouTube
      • Nathan Jove Social Media >
        • @theorthopedicsurgeon on Instagram
        • @theorthopedicsurgeon on Youtube
    • Billing & Insurance >
      • Payments
      • Cost Estimator
      • Insurance
    • Patient Forms & Requests >
      • Forms
      • Medical Records
      • Prescription Refill Request >
        • Decatur
        • Loganville
    • Bracing
    • Conditions Treated >
      • Arthritis
      • Avascular Necrosis
      • Sports Injuries
    • MRI
    • MRI Review
    • Reviews
    • Affiliate Hospital Resources >
      • Emory Decatur Hospital
      • Atlanta Outpatient Surgery Center
    • Saturday Clinic
    • What To Expect
    • Blog
    • FAQ >
      • Blood Clots After Orthopedic Surgery
      • FAQ
      • Video
      • What is an Orthopedic Doctor
      • Home Therapy
    • Orthopedic Survey Center >
      • Outpatient Total Joint Replacement Survey
      • Painful Knee Replacement Survey
      • Painful Hip Replacement Survey
      • Rotator Cuff Surgery Survey
      • Meniscus Tear Survey
      • Partial Knee Replacement Survey
      • Self-Pay MRI Request Form
      • Elite Athlete Second Opinion Survey
      • Orthopedic Second Opinions & MRI Review | Dr. Nathan Jové
    • Privacy Policy
  • Specialties
    • Joint Replacement Center >
      • Hip >
        • Hip Replacement Second Opinion
        • Anterior Hip Replacement
        • Total Hip Replacement
        • Painful Hip Replacement
      • Knee >
        • Knee Replacement Second Opinion
        • Total Knee Replacement
        • Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery
        • Painful Knee Replacement
        • Anterior Reference Knee Replacement
        • Partial Knee Replacement
        • Patellofemoral Replacement
        • Tourniquet-less Knee Replacement
        • How to Prepare and What to Expect Knee Surgery
      • Shoulder >
        • Shoulder Replacement Second Opinion
        • Total Shoulder Replacement
        • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
        • Shoulder Surgery
      • Ankle >
        • Total Ankle Replacement
      • Outpatient Joint Replacement Center
      • Revision Surgery >
        • Revision Knee Replacement
        • Revision Hip Replacement Surgery
        • Metal on Metal Hip Problems
      • Metal Sensitivity and Nickel Allergy
      • Infections >
        • Hip and Knee Replacement Infections
    • Knee >
      • Knee Surgery
      • Knee Arthritis
      • Cartilage Repair & Restoration
      • Meniscus Tears
      • ACL Tears
      • MACI Cartilage Repair
      • Patella (Kneecap) Instability
      • MPFL Tear & Patellar Instability
      • Patella (Kneecap) Dislocation
      • Knee MCL Injuries
      • Knee AVN
      • Quadriceps Tendon Tear
      • Patellar Tendon Tear
    • Shoulder >
      • Shoulder Surgery
      • Rotator Cuff Tears
      • SLAP Tears
      • Labral Tears
      • Shoulder Arthritis
      • Shoulder Dislocation/s
      • Shoulder AVN
    • Hip >
      • Hip Surgery
      • Hip Arthritis
      • Hip AVN
      • Hip Labral Tears
      • Femoroacetabular Impingement
      • Gluteus Medius & Minimus Tears
      • Greater Trochanteric Bursitis
    • Foot and Ankle >
      • Achilles Tendon Tears
      • Ankle Sprains and Recurrent Instability
      • Syndesmosis (High Ankle) Sprain
      • Ankle Arthritis
      • Ankle (Talus) AVN
      • Kohler's Disease- Navicular AVN
      • Tarsal Tunnel Release
    • Elbow, Hand & Wrist >
      • Carpal Tunnel Sydnrome
      • Cubittal Tunnel Syndrome
      • Elbow UCL Injuries
      • Trigger Finger
      • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
      • Biceps Tears
    • Robotic Surgery >
      • Robotic Knee Replacement with AI
      • Robotic Hip Replacement with AI
    • Arthroscopic Surgery
    • Regenerative Medicine >
      • Overview
      • Stem Cell Therapy & BMAC
      • Cartilage Restoration
      • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections
      • Hyaluronic Gel Injections - Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists
      • Amniotic Tissue
      • Peptides & BPC-157: Evidence Review
    • Fracture Care >
      • Fracture Care
      • Shoulder >
        • Collarbone (Clavicle) Fracture
        • Proximal Humerus Fractures
      • Upper Arm (Humerus) >
        • Humerus Shaft Fractures
      • Elbow >
        • Radial Head Fractures
        • Olecranon (Elbow) Fractures
      • Forearm >
        • Radius Fractures
        • Ulna Fractures
        • Both Bone Forearm Fractures
      • Hand & Wrist >
        • Broken Wrist/Distal Radius Fracture
        • Metacarpal Fractures
        • Finger Fractures
      • Hip & Femur >
        • Hip Fractures
        • Femoral Shaft Fractures
      • Knee >
        • Patella (Kneecap) Fractures
        • Tibial Plateau Fractures
        • Distal Femur Fractures
      • Tibia (Shinbone) >
        • Tibia & Shinbone Fractures
      • Foot & Ankle >
        • Ankle Fractures
        • Calcaneus Fractures
        • Jones Fractures
      • Fracture Nonunion & Malunion
      • Periprosthetic Fractures
    • Ultrasound & Guided Injections
    • EMG
    • Español >
      • Manguito Rotador
      • Reemplazo de Rodilla
      • Reemplazo de Cadera
      • Reemplazo de Hombro
      • Lesiones por Accidentes
      • Dislocación e Inestabilidad del Hombro
      • Desgarro de Menisco
      • Fracturas y Huesos Rotos
      • Dedo en Gatillo
  • Workers Compensation
    • Submit a Referral
    • Injuries We Treat
    • Adjusters & Case Managers
    • Direct Physician Contacts
    • Workers Compensation Overview
    • Care & Documentation
    • Neck & Back Injuries
    • Shoulder & Knee Injuries
    • Compensación Laboral
  • For Professionals
    • Physician Referrals
    • Attorney Referrals
    • Orthopedic Expert Witness
    • Independent Medical Examination
    • Car Accident Orthopedic Care
    • Job Opportunities