Independent Medical Evaluations
Objective, Thorough, Timely Medical Assessments
Dr. Tess Garcia provides comprehensive Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs) for workers’ compensation, disability claims, personal injury cases, and employment-related medical assessments.
What Is an Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)?
An Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) is a comprehensive medical assessment conducted by an impartial physician who has no prior relationship with the patient being evaluated.
Purpose of an IME:
IMEs provide objective medical opinions for:
- Workers’ compensation claims (injury severity, work-relatedness, treatment appropriateness)
- Disability determinations (Social Security, long-term disability, short-term disability)
- Personal injury litigation (causation, damages, future medical needs)
- Employment fitness evaluations (return-to-work assessments, job accommodation needs)
- Insurance claim disputes (treatment necessity, maximum medical improvement)
- Third-party medical opinions (second opinions for claims or disputes)
Key Characteristics:
- Independent: The evaluating physician has no treating relationship with the examinee
- Objective: Assessment based solely on medical evidence and examination findings
- Comprehensive: Thorough review of medical records and physical examination
- Documented: Detailed written report summarizing findings and opinions
- Unbiased: Opinion based on medical facts, not advocacy for either party
An IME is NOT treatment—it is an evaluation to provide medical opinion on specific questions posed by the requesting party.
Board-Certified Physician with Extensive Experience
Dr. Tess Garcia brings over 20 years of medical experience and board certification in Family Medicine to every Independent Medical Evaluation.
Qualifications
- Board-Certified: American Board of Family Medicine
- Medical Degree: Medical College of Virginia
- Residency Training: Truman Lakewood Family Medicine Residency
- Active Medical License: Missouri State Board of Registration
- 20+ Years Practice: Comprehensive primary care and medical evaluations
- Additional Certification: Board-Certified in Obesity Medicine
IME Expertise:
Dr. Tess provides objective medical opinions on:
- Musculoskeletal injuries and conditions
- Occupational injuries and illnesses
- Neurological conditions affecting function
- Chronic pain and pain management
- Medical disability assessments
- Fitness for duty evaluations
- Maximum medical improvement determinations
- Treatment appropriateness and necessity
- Causation and work-relatedness
- Functional capacity and limitations
Professional Approach
Dr. Tess conducts IMEs with professionalism, thoroughness, and objectivity. Her medical opinions are based on:
- Complete medical record review
- Comprehensive physical examination
- Current medical literature and standards of care
- Answers to specific questions posed by requesting party
Her reports are clear, well-organized, and provide the medical information needed for informed decision-making.
Independent Medical Evaluation Services We Offer
An Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) is a comprehensive medical assessment conducted by an impartial physician who has no prior relationship with the patient being evaluated.
Workers' Compensation IMEs
Medical Evaluations for Workplace Injury Claims
Purpose:
- Determine work-relatedness of injury or illness
- Assess appropriateness of treatment provided
- Evaluate need for future medical care
- Determine maximum medical improvement (MMI)
- Assess permanent impairment and disability rating
- Evaluate ability to return to work
Common Questions Addressed:
- Is the condition related to work activities?
- What is the diagnosis and prognosis?
- Has the patient reached MMI?
- What are the permanent work restrictions?
- Is proposed treatment medically necessary?
- Can the employee return to work?
Disability Evaluations
Assessments for Disability Claims
Types:
- Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI)
- Long-term disability insurance claims
- Short-term disability insurance claims
- State disability programs
- Private disability insurance
Purpose:
- Assess functional limitations
- Determine severity of impairment
- Evaluate impact on ability to work
- Provide medical evidence for disability determination
Personal Injury IMEs
Medical Evaluations for Litigation
Purpose:
- Assess injuries claimed in lawsuits
- Determine causation (did the incident cause the injury?)
- Evaluate extent of damages
- Assess future medical needs
- Determine permanency of injuries
- Evaluate pre-existing conditions vs. new injuries
Common Cases:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Product liability cases
- Medical malpractice claims
Fitness for Duty Evaluations
Return-to-Work Medical Assessments
Purpose:
- Evaluate employee’s ability to perform job duties safely
- Assess medical restrictions and limitations
- Determine need for work accommodations
- Evaluate readiness to return to work after illness/injury
Common Situations:
- Return to work after medical leave
- Post-injury fitness assessment
- Periodic evaluations for safety-sensitive positions
- Evaluation for job accommodation requests
Second Opinion IMEs
Independent Medical Review
Purpose:
- Provide independent assessment of diagnosis and treatment
- Evaluate appropriateness of recommended surgery or procedures
- Assess treatment plan effectiveness
- Offer alternative treatment perspectives
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) Determinations
Assessment of Medical Status
Purpose:
- Determine if patient has reached MMI
- Assess permanency of condition
- Evaluate need for ongoing treatment
- Establish permanent restrictions and limitations
Frequently Asked Questions
Independent Medical Evaluations (IME) Questions Answered
Q: Do I have to attend the IME?
A: Yes, you must attend the physical examination, as it is an essential part of gathering the necessary information to complete the Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) report. The physical exam allows Dr. Tess to conduct a thorough, objective assessment that forms the foundation of the IME documentation.
Q: Can I bring someone with me?
A: It depends on the circumstances. If the person you’re bringing can help answer questions during the evaluation—such as a spouse or caregiver who has relevant knowledge about your medical history or condition—their presence is welcome. Dr. Tess will determine if having someone accompany you is appropriate based on the nature of the IME and what information is needed.
Q: Can I record the examination?
A: No. Audio or video recording is not permitted during the IME.
Q: Will I be examined while undressed?
A: You may need to undress to your undergarments for a musculoskeletal examination, and a gown will be provided for your comfort. It’s best to wear clothing that is easy to remove. The extent of the physical exam will be determined after Dr. Tess takes your medical history and understands the specific nature of your case. She will explain what the examination will involve before proceeding.
Q: Will Dr. Tess prescribe me medication or treatment?
A: No. An IME is an evaluation only, not treatment. Dr. Tess will not prescribe medications, provide treatment, or become your treating physician.
Q: How long will the examination take?
A: Most Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs) take 90 minutes to 2 hours. This allows Dr. Tess sufficient time to conduct a complete and detailed medical history along with a thorough physical examination to provide an accurate and comprehensive assessment.
Q: Will I receive a copy of the report?
A: The report is sent to the requesting party. You may receive a copy through your attorney, claims representative, or employer. Ask the requesting party about obtaining a copy.
Q: What if I disagree with the IME findings?
A: You have the right to discuss any concerns about the IME findings with your attorney or claims representative. You may be entitled to request your own independent medical evaluation or seek a second opinion. It’s important to remember that the IME serves as evidence in your case but is not the sole determining factor in the final outcome.
Q: Should I bring my attorney to the IME?
A: No. Attorneys do not attend the physical examination. However, your attorney can advise you before the IME and review the report afterward.
Q: What is your report turnaround time?
A: The turnaround time for an IME report depends on the volume of medical records that must be reviewed both before your physical examination and during the report writing process. Cases with extensive medical documentation naturally require more time for thorough review and analysis. Dr. Tess can provide you with a more specific timeline once she assesses the scope of your case and the amount of records involved.
Q: Can Dr. Tess provide deposition or trial testimony?
A: Yes, Dr. Tess is available to provide deposition and trial testimony when needed. Separate hourly fees apply for these services, and advance notice and scheduling are required. Please contact our office to discuss availability and fees for legal testimony.
Q: What if additional records become available after the IME?
A: This depends on the stage of your case—for example, whether a ruling has already been made. You should discuss this situation with your attorney or claims representative. If the timing allows for an addendum to the IME to be accepted, Dr. Tess can review the supplemental records and provide an updated report. There will be a separate fee for this additional review and supplemental report.
Q: Do you perform Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)?
A: Your physical examination will include a functional assessment as part of the IME. However, formal Functional Capacity Evaluations require specialized physical therapy or occupational therapy protocols that are beyond the scope of an IME. If a formal FCE is needed for your case, your attorney or claims representative can refer you to an appropriate therapist who specializes in these comprehensive evaluations.
Q: What geographic area do you serve?
A: Our office is located in Blue Springs, Missouri, in Eastern Jackson County. We serve the Kansas City metropolitan area, Jackson County, and surrounding Missouri counties. Out-of-area examinations are possible if the patient is willing to travel to our office for the appointment. IME examinations cannot be conducted via telemedicine and must be performed in person.
Q: Can the IME be conducted via telemedicine?
A: No, the IME requires an in-person physical examination. This is actually in your favor—Dr. Tess needs to see you and perform a hands-on physical assessment to gather the most accurate and complete information for your evaluation. A thorough, objective IME cannot be properly conducted remotely.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Our cancellation policy depends on the type of appointment:
Q: Are your reports defensible in legal proceedings?
A: Yes. Dr. Tess’s reports are thorough, well-documented, and based on objective medical evidence. She is available for deposition and trial testimony as needed.
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