Defense Medical Exam (DME) Attendance

NOTE: Many people still refer to these examinations as “Independent Medical Exams,” or IMEs. However, it is important to remember that the examining physician is hired by the DEFENSE and may therefore be biased in its favor. For this reason, we believe “Defense Medical Exam,” or DME, is a more accurate term. Increasingly, these examinations are also being called “Defense Physical Exams,” or DPEs, since they are not technically comprehensive medical examinations.

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California law allows one additional person to accompany a client during a DME. Defense counsel relies heavily on these examinations when attempting to dispute the nature or severity of a plaintiff’s claimed injuries.

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For plaintiffs, undergoing a DME can be an intimidating and stressful experience. Having a caring registered nurse present can provide valuable support and reassurance. A plaintiff may encounter a hostile or adversarial physician and may need someone present who can speak up for them during the examination and help protect their rights.​ Hiring a registered nurse to observe a DME can be an excellent decision. A trained nurse observer can help ensure that what actually occurs during the examination is accurately documented and that the information obtained from the DME is useful and correct.

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STROSA LEGAL NURSE CONSULTING, LLC can provide a registered nurse to attend and observe your next DME. Located in Los Angeles, California, we primarily serve Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and all other SoCal counties. However, we are also equipped to provide services  throughout California, and nationwide. Our registered nurse consultants can help interpret DME findings, comment on the techniques and procedures used during the examination, and, in essence, serve as your eyes and ears throughout the DME.

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Our DME Observation Services Include:

• Observing and documenting the patient’s reactions, verbal and non-verbal communication, including grimacing, crying, tone of voice, and other significant behaviors.

• Audio-recording the entire DME.

• Timing the history-taking portion and physical examination.

• Documenting conversations that occur during the examination.

• Noting the tests and procedures completed by the patient.

• Comparing our firsthand observations with the physician’s subsequent DME report.

• Protecting the client’s rights while providing comfort and support throughout the examination.

At times, a DME observation can reveal significant discrepancies between the physician’s written report and what actually occurred during the examination. When this happens, our nurse consultant is also available to provide testimony at arbitration or trial. Depending on the nature and extent of those discrepancies, the presence, documentation, and testimony of a nurse consultant may prove highly valuable to your case.

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Defense attorneys want reassurance that a plaintiff’s complaints are sincere and accurately presented. Plaintiff attorneys want their clients’ medical conditions and concerns to be taken seriously and represented accurately. Having a registered nurse present to independently observe and document the DME can help accomplish either objective.

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To arrange for a registered nurse to observe your next DME, contact STROSA LEGAL NURSE CONSULTING, LLC today. We to speak up for them during the exam. Hiring a nurse for a DME observation is an excellent decision for assuring that the information collected in a DME is useful and correct.​