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Here is an example of a letter sent by the insurance company to the IME physician before the exam. This is what the IME physician is directed to do by your disability insurer. The example given is for someone with muscle, and back disorders.  

Dear Dr. Pudding (IME Physician) :

            Our insured, Mr. Robert Smith, is a 53-year old mechanic who presented a claim for disability on 7/2/2000, due to several different diagnoses. He suffers from myofascial pain, degenerative disc disease, mild S1 radiculopathy, and multiple psychological issues. Mr. Smith's monthly benefit is $10,000 per month. (Why is the insurance company telling the IME physician the amount of the monthly benefit?)

            In order to clarify the extent of our insured's impairment and how it prevents him from returning to his occupation, we believe a comprehensive evaluation is necessary. We are interested in your opinion regarding diagnosis, treatment options, and restrictions and limitations. We have enclosed medical data to assist you with your evaluation.

            One of our in-house medical review specialists has formulated questions and issues for you to address in your report. Your report will be reviewed by one of our specialists when it is received. (By this they mean in-house physician.) Please carefully review the enclosed medical data (all medical in the possession of the insurance company is sent to the IME physician for review) and after examining the insured, address the following in your report:

            Obtain a thorough history of Mr. Hurt's orthopedic problems. Include history of onset, previous treatment, results of treatment, and current physical complaints. Please localize and characterize pain and any maneuvers or activities that aggravate or relieve the pain. Include any significant medical history that you feel impacts our insured's problem.

            Describe your physical findings, and include significant positive and negative findings to include: range of motion, muscle strength, length and circumference measurements, neurological deficits, reflexes, sensation of skin, circulation, pulse, and observed muscle spasm or atrophy.

Describe the results of any laboratory tests or x-rays you may have performed.

List your diagnosis and indicate the objective findings to support each.