Which statement is true regarding Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) requested by insurers?

The true statement regarding Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) requested by insurers is that the results are typically non-confidential and can be freely shared. This understanding is rooted in the nature of IMEs, which are conducted to provide an objective assessment of a claimant’s medical condition, often for the purposes of evaluating a claim in a workers' compensation or no-fault context.

IMEs are not treated as confidential in the same way that traditional doctor-patient interactions are. While the results of an IME may contain personal health information, they are generally considered part of the claims handling process and can be disclosed to parties involved in the claim, such as insurance companies or legal representatives. This sharing is crucial for insurers as they assess liability and determine compensation amounts based on the findings.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the nature of IMEs. For instance, while IME findings may be significant, they are not inherently prioritized over the findings of treating physicians; insurers often consider both perspectives. Further, an IME does not establish a doctor-patient relationship in the traditional sense; the examining physician is typically acting in a role to provide an assessment rather than to provide ongoing medical care. Lastly, the confidentiality of the IME results does not apply in