Atlanta Legal Nurse Consultant Says The "Independent Medical Exam" Talk By Marie Wendle Was A Huge Hit

Atlanta, Georgia -- Liz Buddenhagen, Atlanta legal nurse consultant, hosted Marie Wendle, RN, BSN, CLNC from the Seattle and Tacoma, Washington area as the featured speaker on January 9, 2012. Wendle spoke about Independent Medical Exams also known as Defense Medical Exams or in Washington state “CR 35s.” Wendle spoke to the Greater Augusta AALNC members and guests.

What is an Independent Medical Exam (IME)?
An IME is a physical or mental exam of an individual performed for legal purposes by a by a health care professional not involved with the care of the individual.

Why should a nurse consultant attend the IME?
Nurses are medically trained observers who can prepare, assure and teach the client about what to expect during the IME. Engaging a medically attuned legal nurse consultant to be the eyes and ears of the attorney and to accurately report facts and findings can save the attorney time and money. Occasionally the legal nurse may serve as a rebuttal witness.

How does the process work?
Initially the attorney will contact the legal nurse and request the attendance at the IME. At that time the attorney and nurse will determine what the attorney wants discussed with the client, the paperwork the attorney requires and if the attorney wants the IME taped or videoed with the written report.

The legal nurse generally contacts the client on the day before the exam for logistical purposes and both go to the doctor’s appointment. The nurse is an unobtrusive observer documenting the proceeding.

A medical exam is comprised of a history taking part and the actual physical exam. A neuropsychological exam has oral and written components. The nurse and patient leave the doctor’s office together and the client goes home.

The legal nurse subsequently organizes the gathered facts and observations into a comprehensive report which along with the recording is sent to the attorney. It is common that an oral report be given to the attorney initially.

About the Greater Augusta AALNC:
The Greater Augusta AALNC is a chapter of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) a non-profit professional organization. “We had an enthusiastic crowd attend this online talk. Our guests hailed from New York to California,” said Buddenhagen. www.Legal-Nurse-Consultants-Augusta.com.

About Buddenhagen:
Liz Buddenhagen is a thirty year clinically experienced hospital nurse. The Atlanta legal nurse has been assisting Atlanta attorneys for over 5 years. For more information view www.Legal-Nurse-Consultant-LNC.com, email Liz@BuddenhagenLNC.com or call 770-725-2997.

Contact Information

Liz Buddenhagen, RN, CLNC

Principal

Buddenhagen and Associates

(1) 7707252997

Liz@BuddenhagenLNC.com