The Independent Medical Exam

Philadelphia Long-Term Disability Claims Lawyer

When you apply for long term disability insurance, you may be asked to submit to an independent medical exam.  Most insurance policies contain language that allows the insurer to request an independent medical exam.   Most of the time, if you do not attend the independent medical exam you will receive an automatic denial.   The independent medical exam is a physical examination by a physician who has been chosen by your insurance carrier.  The purpose of this exam is to provide written medical evidence which can be used by your insurance company to support its decision concerning your claim.  If you have been asked to attend such an exam by your disability carrier, you should consult with the Philadelphia long-term disability lawyer at our offices who can advise you on important issues concerning this exam.   

The independent medical exam is generally an opportunity for the insurance carrier to arm itself with evidence that can be utilized to support a denial.  The independent medical doctor who examines you has no interest in treating your condition.   They are only ascertained by your insurance company to support a decision in your claim.  

The medical doctor who will examine you should be provided with all of the information regarding your claim, including the in-house medical evaluations of your insurance carrier which are generally biased in favor of a denial.  FBased upon our experience, it seems as though the goal the independent medical examination is to attack the credibility of your claim.

Contact the Philadelphia Long-Term Disability Claims Attorney at our offices today if you have been asked to submit to an independent medical exam by your disability insurance carrier.