In Texas, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of MDs and DOs participating in the Designated Doctor program, with many of these roles now filled by chiropractors. Performing Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) or Required Medical Examinations has become increasingly challenging for physicians. They often face low ratings on platforms like Vitals and Healthgrades, accompanied by scathing allegations of incompetence, perceived bias toward insurance carriers, or employer favoritism. Additionally, personal injury attorneys frequently encourage claimants to file medical board complaints, making the practice even more arduous. And let’s not forget the dreaded depositions, which are never an enjoyable experience.
Adding to the challenges, the costs associated with IME facilities and physician fees have risen significantly since 2020. Despite these obstacles, OccMD’s network stands out as exceptional. Fees are negotiated on a peer-to-peer basis, ensuring fair pricing through the expertise of our Chief Medical Officer or Medical Director.
OccMD also avoids low-quality IME vendors that rely on non-clinicians to complete the entire chronology of a case, with physicians simply dictating templated reports and answering standard questions. Unfortunately, these practices often result in subpar reports and unnecessary second IMEs due to incomplete assessments. There are too many instances where the initial IME does not place the claimant at MMI/MRC for the sole purpose of scheduling a second IME in 6 months. With OccMD managed cases, such inefficiencies are rare, as our managed cases typically require only one IME.
For OccMD IME or Peer Review, we go beyond standard evaluations, adding case-specific questions to address the unique details of the injury or claim. This includes a thorough review of accident photos, comparisons of serial imaging, and analysis of prior treatments to the affected body region. By prioritizing quality and precision, OccMD delivers reports that truly meet the needs of our clients and ensure fair outcomes.
