Independent Neuropsychological & Psychological Evaluations (IMEs)

Independent Neuropsychological/Psychological Evaluations (IMEs) involve an assessment of cognitive abilities and/or psychological status.  The purpose of an IME is to conduct an objective, non-biased and comprehensive evaluation on an individual claiming impairment secondary to an illness, injury, or exposure to an event(s).  IME is the gold-standard for answering complex questions regarding the nature of cognitive and/or psychological functioning, determining the presence of cognitive change and/or psychological symptoms, and the influence of these changes or symptoms on functioning (e.g., daily, social, occupational).

IMEs are often utilized in disability, worker’s compensation, or personal injury claims.  As such, IMEs are considered forensic evaluations.  Unlike a clinical assessment that assumes a patient’s complaint(s) to be accurate, a forensic evaluation involves a comprehensive records review, extensive testing (including formal measures of performance and symptom validity), personality assessment, the gathering of collateral information (when necessary), and verification of symptoms.  The goal of an evaluation is to tease apart complex issues inherent to these cases, including causality, exacerbating factors, confounding variables, non-clinical influences, and motivational issues.  Although all individuals are treated respectfully, it is not the role of the IME provider to establish a doctor-patient relationship, provide feedback or treatment based on the findings.

Neuropsychological/Psychological IMEs are utilized to address:

• Establishing bona fide cognitive loss secondary to a traumatic brain injury resulting from accidents, falls, blast injuries, or repeated concussions
• Determining the presence of memory impairment secondary to anoxic injury/illness or medical condition (e.g., chronic pain, CVA, fibromyalgia)  and its impact on occupational functioning
• Assessing the presence and severity of psychological conditions (e.g., Depression, Anxiety, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) and its impact on daily and occupational functioning
• Ruling in or out non-clinical factors to claims of impairment, including fabrication, malingering, embellishment, economic factors, retaliation, convenience, Factitious disorder, personality traits, or unconscious needs (e.g., Somatic Symptom disorder)
• Making recommendations regarding occupational restrictions or limitations secondary to impairment
• Monitoring claimant level of impairment/emotional distress, response to treatment, proximity to Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), and/or other variables influencing a protracted recovery

Dr. Luis, as a board-certified Clinical Neuropsychologist, has been conducting IMEs for over a decade. These evaluations may be performed at her practice location in Sarasota, FL, or a second office in the Fort Lauderdale, FL area. Arrangement can also be made at a location in closer proximity to a claimant. Please contact (954) 559-5073 for additional information, to schedule an IME or for a fee schedule.

Dr. Luis follows standards established by The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology and The National Academy of Neuropsychology and does not allow third party observers or audio or videotaping of testing.

Dr. Luis has performed IMEs for a number of Insurance companies, including Prudential, Northwestern Mutual, Mass Mutual, Guardian, Berkshire Life, CNA, and AIG. She also serves as a consultant for Independent Claims Consultants Network, LLC, and Independent Medical Consultants Inc.