What is a Independent Medical Exam

An Independent Medical Exam, referred to commonly as an IME, is an examination by a physician who is not involved with your care.  The physician practicing the examination reviews all of your prior records, including imaging and then helps resolve questions concerning your medical treatment.

What is a PPD Rating

A Partial Permanent Disability (PPD) rating is a tool, referenced the AMA Guidelines, that provides a percentage value to a disability.  Worse injuries have higher partial disability ratings (higher percent) while small injuries with no long term impact will have lower percent PPD ratings.

• Our physicians will reference the "AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 6th edition, the current gold standard for PPD ratings.
  

What to expect from an IME with Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists

At Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists, we are proud to be a group of board-certified orthopedic surgeons that can not have our opinions swayed by the person requesting the Independent Medical Exam.  We respect the process and refuse to be deemed of taking the side of the referring entity.  Therefore, when you ask for our opinion, we may not give you the opinion you are looking for.  When a case has no merit, this will be documented.  When there is significant loss, that will never be underplayed. 
Our job during an IME is simple: Provide the facts, use evidence based guidelines to evaluate a case and recommend further treatment and provide a Partial Permanent Disability (PPD) rating that is reflected clearly in our documentation.