Occupational medicine independent medical examinations (IMEs) provide objective evaluation of work-related injuries and illnesses, with a focus on how medical conditions impact an individual’s ability to perform job duties. These evaluations are commonly used in workers’ compensation cases to assess diagnosis, causation, treatment, and return-to-work readiness.
Merit Medical Evaluations partners with board-certified occupational medicine physicians to deliver practical, evidence-based medical opinions that support informed decision-making in complex cases.
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Occupational Medicine Physicians –
Dr. David Durand
Dr. Jeffrey Westpheling – Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Des Moines, IA & Virtual Appointments
Dr. Robert Broghammer – Iowa, Wisconsin, Colorado & Virtual Appointments
What an Occupational Medicine IME Evaluates
Occupational medicine IMEs focus on the relationship between medical conditions and workplace demands.
Common areas of evaluation include:
- Work-related injuries and occupational illnesses
- Functional capacity and physical work ability
- Return-to-work readiness and restrictions
- Causation related to workplace exposures or activities
- Treatment appropriateness and medical management
- Ergonomic and job-related considerations
- Chronic conditions impacting work performance
- Long-term functional limitations
When to Request an Occupational Medicine IME
An occupational medicine physician is typically requested when a case involves work-related injury, illness, or questions about an individual’s ability to safely perform job duties.
Occupational medicine IMEs are commonly used when:
- There are questions about whether a condition is work-related
- Return-to-work timing or restrictions need to be determined
- Functional capacity and job demands must be evaluated
- Treatment plans need to be assessed for appropriateness
- There are concerns about prolonged recovery or delayed progress
- Multiple factors are influencing an individual’s ability to work
Key Considerations in Occupational Medicine IMEs
Occupational medicine evaluations focus not only on the medical condition itself, but also on how that condition interacts with the individual’s specific job requirements. This includes assessing physical demands, workplace environment, and potential exposures.
These evaluations provide a practical, case-focused approach to determining work capacity and appropriate restrictions.
Medical Record Review in Occupational Medicine Cases
Medical record reviews are an important component of occupational medicine cases, particularly when evaluating treatment history, recovery progress, and prior work restrictions. These reviews help clarify timelines and support objective conclusions regarding work capacity and medical management.
These reviews are particularly useful when an in-person examination is not necessary or when additional medical insight is needed to support case decisions.
Objective, Evidence-Based Evaluations
Occupational medicine IMEs are designed to provide clear, unbiased medical opinions with a focus on real-world job function and safety. These evaluations help employers, insurers, and case managers make informed decisions about return-to-work planning and case resolution.
Merit Medical Evaluations ensures that each case is reviewed by the appropriate specialist and supported by a structured, efficient process from start to finish.
Serving clients across Omaha, Nebraska, Iowa, and the Midwest.