What is an independent medical exam?
For more than 25 years, Dr. Bob Baravarian, DPM, FACFAS, has served as a foot and ankle expert witness and independent medical examiner in hundreds of cases involving personal injury, workers’ compensation, and medical malpractice. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon and Chief of Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgery at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, he brings the same clinical expertise he uses in the operating room to every evaluation, report, and testimony.
Attorneys, insurance carriers, employers, and government agencies rely on Dr. Baravarian for objective, evidence-based opinions on causation, the extent of injury, the appropriateness of treatment, and long-term prognosis.
What is the purpose of an independent medical exam?
An independent medical exam is often needed to obtain an objective medical opinion from a licensed physician with no prior doctor-patient relationship with the individual. Sometimes an IME may be requested by an employer, an insurance company, or an attorney to determine the cause and extent of a work-related injury in order to aid in conflict resolution.
Foot and ankle expert witness services
Dr. Baravarian provides expert witness services for both legal teams and insurers in cases involving foot and ankle injuries and surgical care. His services include:
- Medical record review: a detailed analysis of treatment records, imaging, and surgical reports
- Causation and damages opinions: whether an injury resulted from the incident in question, and how it affects function, work capacity, and future care needs
- Standard of care review: evaluation of foot and ankle treatment and surgery in medical malpractice matters
- Written reports: clear, detailed, and defensible findings prepared for legal proceedings
- Deposition and trial testimony: clear explanations of complex medical issues for attorneys, judges, and juries
With hundreds of cases over 25 years, Dr. Baravarian understands both the medicine and the legal process, including the documentation, timelines, and clarity that litigation requires.
What can you expect during an independent medical exam?
During an IME, the consulting physician will examine the individual and conduct a thorough review of medical records. This process will enable the doctor to make a prognosis, clarify the cause of an injury, and assess the capacity to work.
Although Dr. Baravarian may be retained by one party in a legal proceeding, his commitment is to truth, objectivity, and medical accuracy. He does not serve as an advocate for either side but rather as an impartial expert whose opinion is based solely on medical evidence.
Why choose Dr. Baravarian as your IME physician and expert witness?
Dr. Baravarian has served as an expert witness and independent medical examiner in hundreds of cases over more than 25 years, involving workplace injuries, medical malpractice, and personal injury claims.
He brings decades of clinical and surgical experience to every case and provides:
- Evidence-based, unbiased evaluations
- Comprehensive written reports that are clear, detailed, and legally defensible
- Expert witness testimony for depositions and courtroom proceedings
- Timely, cost-effective service tailored to the needs of legal professionals and insurance carriers
To request an independent medical exam or speak with Dr. Baravarian about expert witness services, call our office at (855) 557-5400 or complete this form.
Dr. Baravarian is available for IMEs requested by insurance carriers, employers, attorneys, or government agencies.
