How to Prepare for an Independent Medical Examination (IME)
Published March 4
By The Chaney Law Firm — Oklahoma Personal Injury Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a car wreck or a work-related accident in Oklahoma, the insurance company may schedule something called an Independent Medical Examination (IME).
Despite the name, the doctor doing the IME is not your doctor — and they are not there to help you recover.
Their job is to create a report that the insurance company will use to reduce or deny your benefits.
That’s why preparation matters.
What Is an IME?
An IME is a medical exam performed by a doctor chosen by the insurance carrier — not your treating providers.
The insurance company uses this doctor to argue:
· Your injuries aren’t serious
· Your injuries aren’t related to the accident
· You don’t need further treatment
· You can return to work sooner than recommended
This exam can heavily influence your case value — and you must approach it strategically.
1. Review Your Medical History Before the Exam
Go over your medical records, imaging, diagnoses, and treatment history.
Be clear on:
· When your symptoms began
· What started your pain (the wreck)
· What makes your pain worse
· What treatments you’ve tried
· What limitations you experience daily
You do not need to memorize complicated medical terms.
Just be able to explain your symptoms accurately and consistently.
1. Review Your Medical History Before the Exam
Go over your medical records, imaging, diagnoses, and treatment history.
Be clear on:
· When your symptoms began
· What started your pain (the wreck)
· What makes your pain worse
· What treatments you’ve tried
· What limitations you experience daily
You do not need to memorize complicated medical terms.
Just be able to explain your symptoms accurately and consistently.
2. Be Honest — Not Dramatic and Not Tough
Do not exaggerate — but do not minimize your pain either.
Many injured people try to be “tough” and downplay symptoms.
That only hurts your case.
Describe your pain exactly as you experience it.
If some days are worse than others, say so.
Be truthful, specific, and measured.
3. Stay Consistent With What You’ve Told Other Doctors
IME doctors look for inconsistency more than anything else.
If your story changes, they will highlight that in their report.
Review what you told your treating doctors so the facts stay consistent.
Consistency = credibility.
Credibility = case value.
4. Don’t Discuss Fault or the Legal Case
You are not there to argue fault or blame.
You are not there to talk about what the insurance company did wrong.
You are not there to discuss settlement.
You are there to talk ONLY about your injuries and your physical limitations.
If they ask legal questions — politely redirect.
5. Be Aware That You Are Observed the Entire Time
This includes:
· Walking from the parking lot
· Sitting in the waiting room
· Getting on/off the exam table
· Bending or moving
Do not do anything outside your true physical ability.
IME doctors are trained to look for “gotcha moments.”
6. Keep Your Answers Short and Focused
Answer only the question asked.
Don’t overshare. Don’t volunteer extra details.
This is not a conversation — this is documentation.
After the IME: Contact Your Attorney Immediately
Tell your attorney:
· What questions were asked
· What tests were done
· How long the exam lasted
· Any comments the doctor made
· Anything unusual or concerning
Your attorney will prepare for the IME report and challenge anything incorrect or biased.
Let Us Protect You Through Every Step of Your Case
The IME is not designed to help you — it is designed to help the insurance company lower or deny your claim.
When you have an attorney guiding you through the process, you don’t walk into that exam alone or unprepared.
At The Chaney Law Firm, we prepare our clients before IMEs, protect them afterward, and fight back against unfair medical opinions.
Call The Chaney Law Firm today if you have an IME scheduled or if the insurance company is pushing one on you.