OBJECTIVE EVALUATIONS FOR LEGAL & INSURANCE NEEDS

Independent Medical Examinations (IME)

An independent medical examination (IME) is a non-treatment medical evaluation carried out to answer specific legal or administrative questions. These examinations are often requested in cases involving:

• Disability claims
• Workers’ compensation claims
• Personal injury lawsuits
• Impaired professional programs
• Sexual harassment in the workplace

During an IME, physicians thoroughly review medical records, perform targeted examinations, and evaluate the nature and extent of an injury. We provide clear, unbiased answers to questions such as: 

• What caused the injury?
• Has the individual benefited from treatment?
• Is there any permanent impairment?

By addressing these questions with accuracy and detail, we help insurers, employers, and attorneys make informed decisions.
At Surgical Spine Associates, we prioritize efficiency, fairness, and objectivity in every IME. Our reports are designed to be comprehensive yet concise, and we maintain open communication with requesting attorneys and case parties. While these evaluations do not create a doctor-patient relationship, they do provide an essential independent perspective that can clarify even the most complex medical claims.

EXPERT MEDICAL INSIGHT TO SUPPORT LEGAL CASES

Medico-Legal Consulting

When legal disputes involve medical issues, having a trusted expert on your side can make all the difference. Medico-legal consulting brings medical knowledge into the legal process, ensuring that attorneys and courts fully understand the clinical aspects of a case.

At Surgical Spine Associates, we assist attorneys by:

• Reviewing and organizing medical records
• Preparing case chronologies
• Offering objective opinions on case merit

We help legal teams evaluate standards of care, analyze allegations of negligence or malpractice, and clarify the medical context for judges and juries. When needed, our experts also provide depositions and courtroom testimony, supporting both plaintiffs and defendants.

Because of our extensive clinical experience, we are uniquely equipped to interpret complex medical issues in a way that is clear and credible. From pre-trial preparation to expert witness testimony, our goal is to help legal teams build stronger arguments and achieve fair outcomes. Attorneys who work with Surgical Spine Associates can trust that their cases will be supported with thoughtful, evidence-based medical insight.

CLINICAL GUIDANCE TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF SPINE CARE

Product Development

We are proud to partner with medical device companies and innovators through product development consulting. Spinal technology is advancing rapidly, with new materials, implants, and minimally invasive techniques shaping the future of care. Having clinical experts involved early in the design and development process can make the difference between a product that succeeds and one that falls short.

At Surgical Spine Associates, we help product teams define the “why” behind a new device, identifying how it will meet patient needs and improve outcomes. We provide input on design considerations such as precision, safety, durability, and fit, helping teams avoid costly errors later in the process. With experience in both bioengineering and surgery, we bring a unique dual perspective: understanding what patients need and what surgeons require in the operating room.

We also help companies navigate the evolving landscape of spinal care, where innovation is focused on biocompatibility, minimally invasive techniques, and long-term outcomes. By partnering with us, device developers gain access to expert feedback that strengthens products and ensures they are aligned with the highest standards of care.