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What is an Independent Medical Examination?

Posted by: euser
December 26, 2006
Topic: Minnesota No-Fault Law

An independent medical examination, or an IME, is a medical examination typically required by insurance companies in order to evaluate the extent of the injuries claimed by an insured after a motor vehicle accident. These examinations are allowed by Minn. Stat. § 65B.56, Subd. 1:

Any person with respect to whose injury benefits are claimed under a plan of reparation security shall, upon request of the reparation obligor from whom recovery is sought, submit to a physical examination by a physician or physicians selected by the obligor as may reasonably be required.

The costs of any examinations requested by the obligor shall be borne entirely by the requesting obligor. Such examinations shall be conducted within the city, town, or statutory city of residence of the injured person. If there is no qualified physician to conduct the examination within the city, town, or statutory city of residence of the injured person, then such examination shall be conducted at another place of the closest proximity to the injured person’s residence. Obligors are authorized to include reasonable provisions for mental and physical examination of those injured persons.

If requested by the person examined, a party causing an examination to be made shall deliver to the examinee a copy of every written report concerning the examination rendered by an examining physician to that person, at least one of which reports must set out in detail the findings and conclusions of such examining physician.

An injured person shall also do all things reasonably necessary to enable the obligor to obtain medical reports and other needed information to assist in determining the nature and extent of the injured person’s injuries and loss, and the medical treatment received. If the claimant refuses to cooperate in responding to requests for examination and information as authorized by this section, evidence of such noncooperation shall be admissible in any suit or arbitration filed for damages for such personal injuries or for the benefits provided by sections 65B.41 to 65B.71.

The provisions of this section apply before and after the commencement of suit.