Are IME Doctors Fair in New York City? Understanding Independent Medical Exams

Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) are common in New York City personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. But despite the name, IMEs are rarely truly “independent.” They are typically arranged and paid for by insurance companies, and many injured people in NYC find that IME doctors are biased against them.

Suppose you were hurt in an accident in New York City and ordered to attend an IME. In that case, it’s critical to understand how these exams work, why they are often unfair, and how an experienced NYC personal injury lawyer can protect your rights.

What Is an Independent Medical Exam in NYC?

An IME is a medical evaluation performed by a doctor who is not your treating physician. In New York City injury and accident cases, the exam is almost always requested by the insurance company that is paying for your treatment.

During the IME, the doctor may:

• Review your medical history and records.
• Ask about your accident, symptoms, and daily limitations.
• Perform a short physical exam – often only 10–30 minutes.
• Observe how you walk, sit, or move from the moment you arrive.

The IME doctor then sends a written report directly to the insurance company. This report can be used to:

• Deny medical treatment.
• Cut off wage replacement benefits.
• Challenge the severity or cause of your injuries.

Why IME Doctors in New York City Are Often Biased

Despite being called “independent,” IME doctors in NYC often favor the side that pays them. Here’s why:

• Financial Incentive – Many IME physicians make huge incomes performing hundreds of exams for insurers each year.
• Repeat Business – Insurance companies hire doctors they can count on to minimize claims.
• Misleading Reports – IME doctors often downplay injuries, blame pre-existing conditions, or accuse patients of exaggerating.
• Short Exams, Long Reports – A 10-minute exam may produce a lengthy report full of biased conclusions.
• No Duty to Patients – Unlike your treating physician, an IME doctor’s only role is to supply evidence that benefits the insurer.

Common IME Tactics in New York

Insurance companies in NYC often rely on IME doctors who:

• Misstate or twist what you said during the exam.
• Use “fake” or misleading tests to suggest exaggeration.
• Emphasize unrelated medical issues instead of accident-related injuries.
• Recommend a premature return to work despite ongoing pain.
• Refuse requests to record the exam.
• Rely on surveillance to claim your injuries aren’t serious.

Your Rights at an IME in New York City

While you usually cannot refuse an IME in a New York lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim, you do have necessary rights:

• The exam must relate only to your case-specific injuries.
• You cannot be forced to travel an unreasonable distance.
• You are entitled to a copy of the IME report.
• Your doctor can challenge a biased or unqualified doctor.
• You should continue treatment with your own doctor regardless of IME findings.

Are IME Doctors Fair in New York City?

The truth is that IME doctors in NYC are rarely fair or neutral. They often favor the insurance company that pays them, and their reports are designed to minimize your injuries and reduce compensation.

But a biased IME does not have to ruin your case. With the help of a skilled New York City personal injury lawyer, you can challenge unfair findings, protect your credibility, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Can Help You Fight IME Bias

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City personal injury attorneys know how to expose bias in IME reports and protect injured clients from unfair insurance company tactics. We will:

• Prepare yourself step-by-step for your IME.
• Challenge inaccurate or misleading reports.
• Use your treating doctors’ testimony to counter biased opinions.
• Fight aggressively for the full value of your claim.

Why Injured New Yorkers Choose Us:

• Offices across NYC, including Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County.
• No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee.
• Local, trusted, and bilingual services.
• Hundreds of 5-star reviews from New York clients.

Don’t let an IME doctor in New York City decide the value of your injuries. Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today for a free consultation with Greenstein & Pittari, LLP.