Independent Medical Exams (IME)
The Department of PM&R has Clinics available to perform Independent Medical Evaluations. (IME) This is an examination which is performed by a physician not involved in the care of the patient. The primary purpose of the evaluation is to provide information to a third party. Typically the requesting party is a claims adjuster or an attorney. The physician must be impartial and objective. Medical expertise in the area being evaluated is a must. There must be no prior contact or relationship between the physician and the patient.
The information gathered during a quality Independent Medical Evaluation is used in settlement negotiation and may be entered into evidence should a case go to trial. The IME may additionally be used to review the diagnostics to date for a patient and make relevant recommendation with regard to ongoing diagnosis/treatment for the patient for a third party. The patient must come prepared to spend 1 1/2 - 2 hours in the physician's office. The reports are completed and subsequently sent to the requesting party only.
Disability Evaluations are performed in a similar fashion. These typically are performed for large companies. The specific questions which are addressed involve whether or not an individual is able to perform his or her job with or without restrictions. We answer whether the disability will be temporary and total, permanent and total, or permanent and partial. Often times with partial and temporary disability, re-evaluations are requested some three to six months later if indicated.
The Workplace Clinic information - 205-933-5300
Spain Rehab Out-Patient Clinic information - 205-934-4179
Impairment Ratings
The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has physicians who perform Impairment Ratings. A comprehensive history is taken. A review of modalities, medications, and diagnostics are obtained. A physical examination is completed with special attention to the injured or impaired region. Objective measures are used including range of motion, manual motor testing, sensation, and function to make judgements with regard to permanent impairment.
The information collected is subsequently put in a report. The report is then used by case managers and adjusters, arbitrators, insurance companies, or attorneys to assist with settling Workers' Compensation claims and other claims for litigation. If requested, the patient's employability with restrictions can be added to the report. Often times a Functional Capacity Evaluation is needed to make these judgements.
The typical appointment is approximately 90 minutes in duration. If needed, a Functional Capacity Evaluation is scheduled prior to or after the evaluation. This typically consumes three to four hours of one on one patient testing. All the data subsequently collected and reviewed, including previous medical records when available, are used to generate a report utilizing The Guides to Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Fourth Edition, set forth by The American Medical Association.
The Workplace Clinic information - 205-933-5300
Spain Rehab Out-Patient Clinic information - 205-934-4179
SpineNet
The UAB Multidisciplinary Spine Care Network (SpineNet) is a network of UAB physicians that specialize in the treatment of a wide variety of neck and back pain as well as spinal disorders. Since the majority of these patients do not need immediate surgery, they are usually seen first by one of the Physiatrist. The Physiatrists will provide a thorough evaluation and treatment plan consisting of a variety of conservative care methods. These methods might include such treatment as: Physical Therapy, medication treatment, electrodiagnostic testing, spinal injections, etc…..If these conservative methods prove to be unsuccessful and surgical intervention seems appropriate, the physiatrist will make a referral to one of SpineNet’s other surgical colleagues.
For information on SpineNet or to make an appointment please call 205-930-9827.
Life Expectancy Projections (Spinal Cord Injury)
For individuals with spinal cord injury, life expectancy depends on age at injury, time post-injury, and severity of injury. Tables from the
Facts and Figures at a Glance can be used to provide rough estimates for life expectancies. If more specific information is needed, we do provide computer projections on an individual basis. We charge $1,000 per case plus $300 per hour for record reviews. Arrangements for individual cases should be made by calling the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.
Call 205-934-3320