Merit Medical Evaluations

08/06/2026

When people think about an Independent Medical Evaluation (IME), they usually picture the physician.

But there's a lot that happens before the appointment ever takes place.

📅 Scheduling
📄 Organizing case information
📞 Answering questions
📬 Keeping everyone updated

It's the behind-the-scenes coordination that helps keep claims moving—and it's something that often goes unnoticed.

We wrote a new blog about the hidden work that goes into a successful IME and why that process matters just as much as the evaluation itself.

👉 Read it here: https://meritevals.com/independent-medical-evaluation-process/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=ime_process

Question for you: What's usually the biggest challenge when coordinating an IME?

Let us know in the comments—we'd love to hear your perspective.

07/23/2026

IME or Medical Record Review? Which one does your case actually need?

It's a question we hear regularly from attorneys, nurse case managers, insurance adjusters, and claims professionals.

The answer isn't always an Independent Medical Evaluation.

In some cases, a Medical Record Review can provide the objective medical opinion needed—without scheduling an examination. In others, an IME is the better choice because a physician needs to assess the individual's current physical condition.

Our newest blog explains:
✅ The key differences between an IME and a Medical Record Review
✅ When each is most appropriate
✅ How choosing the right option can save time and control costs
✅ A quick comparison chart you can use as a reference

If you've ever wondered which type of medical review best fits your case, this guide is for you.

📖 Read the full article here: https://meritevals.com/ime-vs-medical-record-review/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=ime-vs-record-review

Have questions about a specific case? Our team is always happy to help you determine the most appropriate evaluation for the medical questions involved.

07/16/2026

Not all IME reports are created equal.

A well-written independent medical examination report can provide the medical clarity needed to help move a workers' compensation or personal injury claim forward. But what separates an effective report from an average one?

In our latest blog, we cover four key elements:

✔ The right physician for the case
✔ A thorough review of medical records
✔ Objective, evidence-based medical opinions
✔ Clear answers to the referral questions

Whether you're an attorney, nurse case manager, insurance adjuster, or TPA, understanding what to look for in an IME report can help you make more informed referral decisions.

Read the full article here: https://meritevals.com/what-makes-an-effective-ime-report/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=link

At Merit Medical Evaluations, we're committed to connecting our clients with board-certified physician specialists who provide objective medical opinions backed by thorough review and sound clinical reasoning.

07/09/2026

We're excited to welcome Dr. Gary Huang to the Merit Medical Evaluations team!

Dr. Huang is a board-certified ENT specialist in active clinical and surgical practice, bringing current, evidence-based expertise to Independent Medical Evaluations and medical record reviews.

If your case involves hearing loss, tinnitus, sinus injuries, facial trauma, balance disorders, or other ear, nose, and throat conditions, Dr. Huang is now available for referrals.

As always, Merit handles the scheduling, records coordination, and communication so you can stay focused on your case.

Learn more about Dr. Huang and submit a referral:
https://meritevals.com/huang/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=huang_announcement

07/02/2026

In observance of Independence Day, Merit Medical Evaluations will be closed on Friday, July 3.

We wish you, your colleagues, and your families a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. Thank you for the work you do to support injured workers and the professionals who serve them.

Happy Independence Day!

06/30/2026

Did you know that not every orthopedic injury should be evaluated by the same type of orthopedic surgeon?

Shoulder injuries, hand injuries, and hip or knee conditions each involve unique anatomy, treatment options, and long-term outcomes. That's why matching the physician's subspecialty to the injury can lead to more focused and objective medical opinions.

Merit Medical Evaluations is proud to offer access to fellowship-trained orthopedic subspecialists affiliated with Nebraska Medicine, providing expertise in:

✔ Shoulder & Elbow Surgery
✔ Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery
✔ Hip & Knee Reconstruction

Whether you need an Independent Medical Examination, Medical Record Review, Impairment Rating, or Expert Testimony, we'll help connect you with the physician whose expertise best fits your case.

Read our newest article:

Choosing the Right Orthopedic IME Physician for Your Case

🔗 https://meritevals.com/choosing-the-right-orthopedic-ime-physician/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=the-right-orthopedic-ime-physician

06/23/2026

When the right IME physician isn't local, what are your options?

For many rural workers' compensation claims, access to specialized physicians can be a challenge. Long travel requirements and limited local specialist availability can delay claim decisions and increase costs.

Virtual IMEs offer a practical solution.

Merit Medical Evaluations has been coordinating clinic-based Virtual IMEs since before COVID-19. Injured workers attend a nearby therapy clinic while a licensed therapist assists the evaluating physician through advanced telemedicine technology.

The result?

✅ Access to specialized physicians

✅ Less travel for injured workers

✅ Reduced claim expenses

✅ Faster scheduling

✅ Objective medical opinions

Learn how Virtual Workers' Compensation IMEs are helping connect rural claims with specialized medical expertise.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4vZd8Yy

06/19/2026

Need to find the right physician expert for your next case?

We've made it easier.

Our new Printable Physician Expert List provides a convenient overview of available medical specialties and expert resources, all in one place.

Download it, save it, and keep it available whenever you need to identify the right medical expert.

Get your copy here:
https://bit.ly/4vrOa4q

06/16/2026

We're excited to announce that Kevin S. Balter, MD, has joined the Merit Medical Evaluations physician network and is now available for Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs).

With more than 35 years of experience in pain medicine and anesthesiology, Dr. Balter is board certified in Pain Management and Anesthesiology and completed fellowship training at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

His expertise includes chronic pain conditions, spine disorders, interventional pain management, CRPS, neuromodulation, impairment evaluations, medical record reviews, and expert consultation.

If you're looking for an experienced physician to provide objective, evidence-based opinions on complex pain management cases, Dr. Balter is now accepting referrals.

Learn more or request an evaluation today.

06/09/2026

When a worker develops an infectious disease, determining whether the illness was acquired on the job isn't always straightforward.

Healthcare workers, first responders, public service employees, laboratory personnel, and animal-contact workers often face unique occupational exposure risks. As a result, claims involving infectious diseases can raise difficult questions about causation, treatment, disability, and future medical care.

Our latest article outlines 10 situations where an Infectious Disease IME may help clarify complex workplace exposure claims and support informed claim decisions.

Read the article here: https://meritevals.com/infectious-disease-ime-workplace-exposure/

Learn when an Infectious Disease IME can help evaluate workplace exposure claims involving healthcare workers, first responders, tuberculosis, bloodborne pathogens, and other occupational infections.