Description
IME work consists of examining a claimant in a legal dispute, reviewing relevant documents and issuing a report of your findings. It is a subset of expert witnessing. The earning potential of performing IMEs is enormous. Successful independent medical examiners can an earn $100,000+ per year by performing IMEs one day per week. Exam fees average $2,000 and are often much higher than this. Physicians routinely do multiple exams in one day. IMEs can be done on your schedule, with minimal additional overhead, no calls, and without disrupting your current practice.
WHAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH BY ATTENDING:
• Start and run an efficient and profitable IME practice
• Understand specifically what attorneys and insurers are looking for from IME physicians
• Improve the opportunities for growing an IME practice
• Understand the IME selection process
• Avoid the biggest mistakes IME physicians make
• Write more persuasive, defensible IME reports
• Obtain high-quality clients with repeatable business
• Effectively deal with the most difficult ethical problems associated with IMEs
• Solve most or all of your IME problems
• Build a premier IME practice with built-in stainability
The Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Beach, FL, February 4-5, 2023
Registration Information: Tuition is $1,395 until November 18, 2022; $1,495 November 19, 2022–January 11, 2023; $1,595 after January 11, 2023 and includes continental breakfast and lunch with faculty each day and a detailed conference manual. Register early and save. A special 50% discount is available on one new or renewal standard listing in the SEAK IME Directory placed by attendees during the February 2023 seminars.
Stream On Demand Option: A stream on demand online version of this course is also available, for more information please click here.
LOCATION/HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: Clearwater Beach has been rated the #1 beach in the United States! A limited block of rooms will be available at special rates at the site hotel, the AAA Four Diamond Sandpearl Resort (www.sandpearl.com) ($299+tax single or double occupancy) in Clearwater Beach, FL. This rate includes access to the fitness center as well as internet access in your room. Rooms are limited and this rate expires on January 11, 2023 so you are encouraged to make your reservations as soon as possible. To make your reservations, please call 866-384-2995 and say that you are with SEAK, Inc. or click here. The Sandpearl features a zero entry pool, spa, private beach, beach-front fire pit, beach sports rentals, 24-hour room service, 24-hour bell service, live entertainment, concierge service, two restaurants (including the 4 diamond Caretta on the Gulf), and child care services. The Sandpearl is located within walking distance of dozens of restaurants and is a 20 miles/30 minutes cab, rideshare or shuttle ride from Tampa International Airport, so we suggest saving money and time by not renting a car.
Continuing Education Information: SEAK, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. SEAK, Inc. designates this live activity for a maximum of 14 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Distinguished Faculty:
Anthony J. Dorto, MD, FAADEP is the Former Medical Director of the Disability Assessment Center in Miami, Florida, which performed Independent Medical Evaluations, second opinions, functional capacity, and earning capacity assessments. Dr. Dorto is certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Disability Evaluation Physicians, and is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Dorto has lectured and written extensively on IMEs, symptom magnification and malingering, disability evaluation, and impairment rating. Dr. Dorto is an experienced trainer and has been on the SEAK IME faculty since 2003.
Kelly J. Wilbur, Esq., is a former litigator who specialized in personal injury defense, helped try several cases and worked with expert witnesses and independent medical examiners regularly. Kelly is Assistant Vice President/Associate Consultant at SEAK where her duties include teaching expert witness seminars and consulting with expert witnesses on issues such as report writing, deposition/trial prep, and business development. She received her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Massachusetts School of Law in 2015 and graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a B.A. in Political Science. Kelly can be reached at 781-491-6802 or kelly@seak.com.
Michael F. Wilkes, Esq. is a Partner in the Florida firm of Jones, Hurley, and Hand. Attorney Wilkes has a wealth of experience, dealing both with state workers’ compensation claims and Federal claims under Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and Defense Base Act. He handles a myriad of other general liability matters. He has also litigated appeals before the Florida First District Court of Appeals, the Benefits Review Board (Longshore) and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Attorney Wilkes has been nominated twice for the position of Judge of Compensation Claims and once for the position of Circuit Judge. In addition to his vast experience as an attorney, he is a very well-respected mediator, handling all kinds of complex litigated matters. Mr. Wilkes was raised in New Jersey. Mr. Wilkes attended Lycoming College where he received his Bachelors’ Degree in Political Science and Philosophy. He later attended Temple University School of Law in Philadelphia where he received his law degree in 1983. He passed the Florida Bar that same year. While not at work, Mr. Wilkes enjoys endurance running, reading and participating in his daughter’s various activities including competition soccer.
SCHEDULE
Day One (Saturday, February 4, 2023)
7:30–8:00 REGISTRATION & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:00–8:15 Introduction
The faculty introduces themselves, explains the goals for the course and the interactive teaching methodology that will be utilized.
8:15–9:00 The Biggest Mistakes IME Physicians Make and How to Avoid Them
In this segment the faculty will utilize their 40 years plus of experience to identify and discuss the most common and significant IME mistakes physicians make: administratively, gathering and reviewing the medical records, conducting the examination, interacting with the examinee, report writing, testifying at deposition and hearing, billing, collection and marketing. Questions & Answers
9:00–9:30 Pleasing the Clients: The Latest Research on What Clients Really Want and How Can You Deliver It
Faculty will review with attendees the results of their research into what IME clients are looking for from IME physicians and how these influence their selection process. Included in the discussion will be: credentials, specialization, cooperativeness, report writing ability, and ability and willingness to testify at deposition or hearing. Questions & Answers
9:30–10:30 Advanced Physical Examination Techniques and the Quality IME Demonstrated
In this segment the faculty will discuss and demonstrate an exceptional IME exam. Discussion and demonstration will include: interview and history, questionnaires, review of records, diagnostic studies, physical orthopedic/neurological evaluation, testing in numerous examination positions, tools of the trade, report writing and comment sections of the report. Questions & Answers
10:30–10:45 BREAK AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY (WITH THE FACULTY)
10:45–12:00 Identifying Symptom Magnification, Fraud and Malingering: Advanced Techniques
Faculty will discuss and demonstrate with the use of videos, the proper symptom magnification definitions, injury red flags, non-organic signs and their meanings, how to identify and demonstrate any inconsistencies, specific tests for symptom magnification, the proper use of functional capacity evaluation, and the role of surveillance. Questions & Answers
12:00–12:45 LUNCH WITH FACULTY (PROVIDED)
12:45–1:45 Writing the Bulletproof IME Report: Exceeding Expectations
In this segment the faculty will discuss and demonstrate how to draft an IME report that will stand up under scrutiny and cross-examination. Volunteers will be called upon to defend their pre-submitted IME reports. Questions & Answers
1:45–2:30 Efficiently and Effectively Dealing with Medical and Other Records and Materials Provided:
Solving the Most Common Problems
The faculty will explain the most efficient techniques for obtaining, organizing, and reviewing the medical and other records provided. Emphasis will be placed on missing and disorganized records. Questions & Answers
2:30–2:45 BREAK AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY (WITH THE FACULTY)
2:45–3:30 IME Ethical Dilemmas: Avoiding Pitfalls and Mine Fields
In this segment the faculty will identify the most common and difficult IME dilemmas faced by IME physicians and will offer practical suggestions for resolving them. Questions & Answers
3:30–4:30 Innovative Premium Fee Setting and Billing Techniques
Faculty will present cost-effective efficient protocols for premium fee setting and billing. Emphasis will be placed on being paid for the time spent, expertise and quality of the work product. Questions & Answers
4:30–5:00 Working with Defense Attorneys: What They Are Really Looking For
The attendees will be provided insight into what defense attorneys are really looking for from IME physicians. Videos of defense attorneys explaining their needs and issues will be presented. Questions & Answers
Day Two (Sunday, February 5, 2023)
6:30–7:00 CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
7:00–8:00 Advanced Practice Management: Maximizing the Efficiency of Your IME Practice
The faculty explains how to make your IME practice more efficient and profitable. Questions & Answers
8:00–9:00 Innovative, Professional, and Cost Effective IME Marketing Methods That Work: Selection and Engagement
Attendees will be presented with simple, cost-effective strategies to market and expand their IME practice. Emphasis will be placed on what the physician and staff can do to build a premium practice. Questions & Answers
9:00–9:15 BREAK AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY
9:15–9:30 IME Brokers and Scheduling Companies
The faculty will discuss and explain how to identify the companies physicians may want to work with, how to develop good working relationships and what should be avoided in considering working with these companies. Questions & Answers
9:30–10:00 Causal Relationships and the IME Physician: What You Need to Know
Attendees will be presented with a detailed review of the numerous causal relationship issues they face and will be provided techniques and explanations for dealing with them. Demonstrations with volunteers will be conducted to illustrate key points of contention. Questions & Answers
10:00–10:15 BREAK AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY (WITH THE FACULTY)
10:15–11:00 The IME Physician Deposition: How to Excel
The faculty will provide a detailed checklist containing many of the issues physicians will face at deposition. Special emphasis will be placed on particular IME issues and questions. Demonstrations based on pre-submitted reports will highlight key points. Questions & Answers
11:00–11:30 How to Deal With Requests for “Modifications,” “Alterations,” or “Corrections” to Your Report
Attendees will express the most troubling issues they face in the cat and mouse requests of attorney and clients for modifications, alterations and corrections of their reports. The faculty will offer practical, ethical, and time tested solutions to these vexing issues. Questions & Answers
11:30–12:00 Independent Medical Examination Risk Management: What Can Go Wrong and How to Avoid It
The faculty will identify the most potentially troubling and dangerous risk management issues for IME physicians and offer safe protocols for dealing with these issues. Particular emphasis will be placed on avoiding unnecessary risk. Questions & Answers
12:00–12:45 LUNCH WITH FACULTY (PROVIDED)
12:45–1:30 Disability, Impairment and Ability to Work
In this segment the faculty will review with the attendees what their role should be in evaluating and defining the disability, impairment and ability to work of examinees. Particular emphasis will be placed on the precise wording of opinions and reports. Questions & Answers
1:30–2:15 Trick and Difficult Questions for the IME Physician
The faculty will demonstrate in an interactive fashion the most difficult common questions IME physicians face and how to answer them truthfully and artfully. Insight will be provided into the significance of the questions and the replies. Questions & Answers
2:15–2:30 Takeaways, Conclusions and Evaluation
The faculty will review key points and open the floor for a free-flowing discussion of the issues covered in the entire two day conference.
What past attendees had to say:
“Excellent and informative.”
“Spot on for myself as I will start doing IMEs full-time soon.”
“Fantastic course, comprehensive A+.”
“Excellent coverage of entire process.”
“Terrific course material and presenters.”
“Great way to start an IME practice.”
“Very informative about legal aspect, provided good tips to perform concise and thorough IME.”
“It was fantastic and I will refer my colleagues. Both you and Tony have tremendous talent and expertise. Thank you for sharing it with us.”
“Excellent, of the highest quality. Really the best CME course I’ve been to in years, very professional.”
“Full of usable information.”
“Absolutely superb”
“A great learning tool and great stepping stone to starting IME work.”
“Awesome.”
“Dr. Dorto’s experience probably can’t be matched and [counsel’s] presentation was logical and elegant.”
“Excellent ~ one of the best I have been to in 20 years”
“Excellent coverage of entire process”
“Terrific course material and presenters”
“Excellent, of the highest quality. Really the best CME course I’ve been to in years, very professional.”
“Excellent preparation and presentation”
“Excellent way of learning in shortest period of time”
“Excellent”
“Excellent presenters and very knowledgeable.”
“Excellent presentation/Conference. Will recommend to colleagues.”
“Extremely well run, informative, and entertaining”
“Faculty very competent and good teachers”
“Gives me good direction.”
“Glad I attended. I gained info that will help me expand my IME practice.”
“Great presentations.”
“Great presentations, approachable, simple and practical information.”
“Great presenters.”
“Great, really appreciate individual feedback re: CV and sample IME provided”
“I enjoyed the course and feel it will help me get to the next level."
“I very much enjoyed your conference and hope to implement your wisdom soon!”
“Informative and entertaining. A comfortable atmosphere.”
“It was useful to learn what attorney’s look for in the background of IME doctors and in IME reports.”
“More than excellent ~ profitable”
“Organized, valuable tips.”
“Outstanding seminar with multiple practical tips”
“Practical point by point and examples of how to get started and forms to use, etc.”
"The IME courses were exceptional. I am happy that I attended these two courses in Naples. The knowledge gained will make my reports stronger."
“The mock questions at the end were very enlightening.”
“Tips on depositions were very practical and useful.”
“Very good for intended objectives.”
“Very good, efficient, useful info.”
“Very good, excellent presenters.”
“Very good, knowledgeable faculty”
“Very good/informative.”
“Very helpful in broadening my understanding of the IME process.”
“Very helpful, approachable faculty.”
“Very informative.”
“Very practical”
“Very qualified speakers, excellent presentations”
“Well organized and informative.”
“Well run, experienced faculty.”
