Independent Medical Exam for Foot and Ankle Injuries

What is an independent medical exam?

An independent medical examination (IME) is a comprehensive medical evaluation performed to assist a legal team in addressing issues of liability, including workers’ compensation claims and claims of negligence.

Nationally recognized foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Bob Baravarian, DPM, FACFAS, is a board-certified podiatric specialist with decades of experience diagnosing complex foot and ankle conditions, assessing the extent of injuries, and restoring optimal mobility and function.

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 who has no previous doctor-patient relationship with the individual in question. 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.

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 for your IME?

Dr. Baravarian has served as an expert witness and independent medical examiner in numerous cases 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 to speak with Dr. Baravarian regarding expert witness services, please 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.

Patient’s Talk About Dr. Bob's Quality of Care

4.8

5,220 TOTAL 1ST PARTY REVIEWS / OUT OF 5 STARS

Dr. Baravarian is so great! I had an injury to my left foot. He took x-rays and provided me with a boot! I feel like a whole new person! Now I can run again with no pain!🏃‍♀️ I recommend you to go him for any foot and ankle issues.🦶

Bella D.

Dr. Baravarian is absolutely an incredible doctor. He is very experienced and I am so grateful that I found him! I had 2 PRP procedures done on my ankle and didn’t feel much pain! It’s wonderful to find a doctor that is trustworthy!

Georgia P.

My experience with Dr B was amazing.I had zero pain alter my surgery. Everything is healing so well. He is the best!

Dr. Bavarian was great. He said i didn’t need to remove part of my nail…the infection would subside. Very honest. Staff was great, kind. Irtually no wait. I recommend highly.

Matt A.

Dr Bob is the best! I have needed this bunion surgery for years, and when I met Dr. Bob I felt 100 percent confident he was the right Dr. to correct my bunion! I have completed the right foot and will be doing the left foot in a couple weeks! Thanks to Dr Bob I will be able to be super active and no longer have pain! I am so grateful to him. Rachael H

Rachael H.

He is excellent. Highly recommended

Fariba S.

I love there staff super nice and friendly and when you meet the doctor is to die for😁super friendly and he explains everything clearly and makes sure you understand everything before he leaves the room doesn’t rush you at all

Sandra F.

I was able to get an appointment the next day after dislocating my toe. I had a great experience. The staff were friendly and the doctor answered all my questions.

Marjorie C.

This is a first class experience with a world-leading research surgeon. If "good enough" isn't good enough for you, this is where you want to go.

Chris H.

Great service. Very attentive. Even took us early.

Janine S.

I have been so impressed with Dr. Bob. Ive never sat in the waiting room one minute longer than my appointment time. That’s a real plus. More importantly is his honest, professional approach to his craft and his commitment to my recovery. He’s the best and I highly recommend him.

Craig F.

Dr. Baravarian is incredible! After three podiatrists and a failed surgery left me with no answers for my feet pain, Dr. Baravarian figured out the real cause of the pain in the first visit.I was ready for another surgery to fix the first one, but he held off until the root issue was treated. My hammer toe and bunion surgery went perfectly—I was amazed to have no pain afterward! Dr. Baravarian is super knowledgeable and explained everything about the surgery and recovery clearly, making me feel informed and at ease. I also want to extend my gratitude to his staff, who were incredibly kind and supportive throughout my treatment.

Aida T.

Prompt professional service as always!

Carl M.

dr baravarian is an excellent dr. he diagnosed my issue, prescribed the perfect remedy and his treatment has allowed me to resume all my activities. he saw me on time and his office staff is also very good

Jason N.

I highly recommend Dr. Baravarian. From checking in at the front desk to the doctors diagnosis everything went smoothly and diagnosis was good. After care instructions were explained well.

Marilyn I.

Great experience Everyone was very nice and efficient Thank you so much

Bernard I.

Professional, courteous, and efficient

Dennis H.

I consider him a knowledgeable and experienced Ankel specialist. I chose him as my foot doctor and continue to receive treatment. I decided to give him a 5 star rating.

Mike J.

Quick and easy

Only the best! Dr. Baravarian is so good and kind! I highly recommend him!

Mark D.

Dr. Bob has now treated me 3 times with cryosurgeries for my Morton's Neuroma. Short of the surgery where they snip your nerves (I won't severe my nerves), this is the only treatment that works. With the first 2 treatments, I'd say I was 60% better, and with today's treatment, jack that number up to 85%... right now, anyway. It may even be 100% better; the next few weeks will be tell-tale, and I'll know if I'm going to need another at that point. To my knowledge, Dr. Bob is one of 3 doctors in the U.S. who does the cryosurgery with stem cell treatment, and to boot, he's just a great guy. If I lived anywhere in the world, I'd fly in for these treatments with Dr. Bob, Adrian and the rest of this staff, they're all great, and this treatment really does work. Trust me, I no longer want to rip my foot off my leg!

Gail B.

expert, knew just what to advise, kind manner, clear instructions the best!

Ron B.

Always a comfort to visit this Office, Staff is Truly dedicated to helping Patients

Karen S.

The foot MRI in Santa Monica was a GODSEND for claustrophobics like me!! Everyone was kind and so excellent. I plan to have foot surgery with them in the fall, and I know that will have a great outcome, too. Thanks to Dr.Barvarian forhis many kindnesses!

Lesley C.

Not sure why but i had to wait almost an hour to be seen. I was on time. There were a dozen people in the waiting room, even some lined out the door. This was the first time this happened. The staff apologized so i figure something was going on. Otherwise, Dr. Bob and staff was wonderful. Maryrose Hopke

Mary H.

Dr. Bob is an excellent surgeon, his team is highly professional and caring! I am satisfied with all the surgery process and the follow up at this institute! Thank you to all!

Maria H.

Simply the Best

Richard G.

I have known Dr. Bob for over a decade now and he is yet one of the best professional doctors I have ever had the pleasure to do treatment with for podiatry concerns!

Derrick M.

so helpful, he gave me exercises that I could take home and do myself. My foot is much better already!

Catherine B.

The doctor and staff were great

George M.

Efficient and very competent doctors and personnel! Dr Bob and staff are amaze!

Joyce I.

Very impressive. The doctor was especially great

Kristine L.

No. Everything was great

Kathleen B.

My experiences with Dr. Bob has always been very good. Thanks.

Paulette A.

Great job

Donald K.

Gray is amazing. Professional and has shown me great exercises for my feet.

Olivia G.

The only thing that would make me so happy would be if Dr Bob opened an office in Nottheast LA! Maybe Eagle Rock or South Pasadena? Glendale? Literally, I can't thing of anything else!

Amy B.

Always very happy with my care.

Linda T.

Everyone at the office is so nice and welcoming always!! I really am impressed that when I send an email asking any questions Dr. Bob gets back to me within minutes if possible if not asap.

Helen M.

Fully satisfied of Great services provided by MDs and staff.

Soozan S.

They were kind and extremely informative.

Assal H.

My appointment went very well. I am quite pleased with the treatment I received.

Susan S.

Appointment time on time and staff is very kind to accommodate your needs. I would definitely recommend too, if I could. But this comes from my insurance

Carmelita L.

Love your staff - especially at desk. So kind. I am very grateful to Dr Bob and his staff- I know he starts out conservatively and for that I am so deeply appreciative. I have seen 3-4 other podiatrist and no one recommended custom orthotics- something that has helped out...and they also just want to turn to cortisone even as sustained treatment protocol. I happily do the drive for his experience, knowledge, but also great " bedside manner"- seeing the human that is seeking his care!

Katia G.

Always great! Love the way Dr. Bob is so attentive and answers his email within moments most of the time.

They have the best customer service I ever had

Marcus C.

Some of the practitioners don't cut the nails flat and when they grow they hurt me

REBECA V.

It was really prepared for this presiger. Thanks much for your hard work.

Leonid P.

You sure had me wait a long time before I saw the doctor, and he was great.

Katherine D.

This is the second foot medical issue I have experienced. Both times, I went to Dr. Bob. Both experiences were great! Thank you!

Independent medical exam (IME)

What is an independent medical exam?

What is the purpose of an independent medical exam?

What can you expect during an independent medical exam?

Why choose Dr. Baravarian for your IME?

From Dr. Bob’s Foot Forward Blog

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