Choosing the Right Orthopedic IME Physician for Your Case
When an orthopedic claim involves complex medical questions, selecting a physician whose expertise aligns with the injured body part can make a meaningful difference. Whether you’re seeking an Independent Medical Examination (IME), Medical Record Review, Impairment Rating, or Expert Testimony, Merit Medical Evaluations connects attorneys, insurance professionals, nurse case managers, and employers with fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists whose clinical experience matches the issues in dispute. Request an IME to discuss the most appropriate expert for your case.
Orthopedic surgery encompasses multiple fellowship-trained subspecialties, each focused on specific regions of the musculoskeletal system and types of injuries. Orthopedic injuries are among the most common issues seen in workers’ compensation and personal injury claims, but not all orthopedic surgeons specialize in the same conditions. Shoulder injuries require different expertise than hand injuries, while hip and knee disorders often involve highly specialized reconstructive training. Matching the physician’s subspecialty to the medical questions at hand can provide greater clinical insight and a more focused medical opinion.
Shoulder & Elbow IMEs
Cases involving rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, shoulder instability, AC joint injuries, proximal humerus fractures, elbow injuries, or repetitive-use conditions often benefit from evaluation by a shoulder and elbow specialist.
Dr. Edward V. Fehringer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who completed a fellowship in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine. As a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, he brings decades of clinical, academic, and surgical experience to independent medical evaluations. His expertise allows him to address complex questions involving causation, treatment recommendations, permanent impairment, and future medical needs.
Hand & Upper Extremity IMEs
Claims involving the hand, wrist, forearm, or elbow frequently present unique diagnostic and functional challenges. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries, fractures, nerve injuries, and repetitive-use disorders often require evaluation by a physician with advanced upper extremity training.
Dr. Daniel Firestone is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery from the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. He also serves as an Assistant Professor within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UNMC. His specialized expertise helps provide objective opinions for complex upper extremity injuries affecting both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims.
Hip & Knee IMEs
Hip and knee injuries remain among the most frequently litigated orthopedic conditions, particularly when questions arise regarding arthritis, joint replacement, traumatic injury, fractures, meniscal tears, ligament injuries, or long-term functional impairment.
Dr. Beau Konigsberg is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon fellowship-trained in Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in Chicago. A Professor within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at UNMC, he specializes in adult reconstruction, joint replacement, and complex hip and knee conditions. His expertise is particularly valuable when evaluating surgical necessity, impairment, causation, and treatment outcomes.
Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Experts for Complex Claims
Every orthopedic case deserves an evaluator whose expertise aligns with the specific injury involved. Merit Medical Evaluations provides access to fellowship-trained orthopedic subspecialists who perform Independent Medical Examinations, Medical Record Reviews, Impairment Ratings, and Expert Testimony for both workers’ compensation and personal injury matters. Most evaluations are available in Omaha, with select physicians also offering Virtual IMEs for added flexibility.
If you’re unsure which orthopedic specialist is the best fit for your case, our team can help match your referral with the physician whose clinical expertise best addresses the medical questions you need answered.