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What Is a Defense Medical Exam?
A Defense Medical Exam (DME) is a medical evaluation requested by the defense (usually an insurance company) in a personal injury lawsuit. While often referred to as “independent,” these exams are anything but. The evaluating physician is selected and paid by the defense with the goal of minimizing the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries.
DMEs are typically required when the plaintiff is claiming ongoing or long-term injuries. Common specialties for DMEs include:
- Orthopedic – for neck, back, and limb injuries
- Neurology – for TBIs, migraines, and nerve damage
- Rehab Medicine – for functionality, chronic pain, and physical limitations
- Neuropsychology – for PTSD, anxiety, cognitive and memory issues
- Psychiatry – for emotional or mental trauma
- Ophthalmology – rare, but occasionally requested
Depending on the case, plaintiffs may be required to attend multiple DMEs across specialties.
What Does the DME Process Look Like?
DMEs are often stressful and intimidating for plaintiffs. Unlike a typical medical appointment, the physician conducting the DME is not there to treat the patient—they’re there to evaluate them on behalf of the defense.
Examinations are supposed to be non-invasive, non-painful, and conducted within 75 miles of the plaintiff’s residence. However, these rules are often bent or ignored unless someone is there to enforce them. Unfortunately, the examining physician often omits tests, downplays symptoms, or skips entire portions of the exam—then documents a “normal” result.
How Does Aperio Solutions Provide DME Assistance?
At Aperio Solutions, we believe every DME should be closely monitored by a qualified medical professional—not a paralegal or a firm staffer without clinical training.
Our comprehensive end-to-end DME support includes:
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Client Coaching
We prepare your client for what to expect—mentally, emotionally, and physically—so they feel empowered walking into the exam.
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In-Person Attendance with Video or Audio Recording
A licensed nurse attends the exam to ensure procedures are followed, advocate for the client if needed, and document every interaction.
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Analysis of Exam Footage
When exams are recorded, our team reviews the footage for omissions, improper techniques, or bias in behavior or questioning.
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Exam Report to Document Deficiencies
Our nurses generate detailed reports that outline any discrepancies between what occurred in the room and what was reported by the examining physician.
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DME Report Evaluation
We review the physician’s final DME report and compare it to the recorded observation, identifying errors, exaggerations, or omitted findings.
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Rebuttal Preparation
We assist in preparing rebuttals to challenge inaccurate or misleading DME reports—bolstering your case with credible, nurse-led insights.
Why Use a Nurse Observer for DMEs?
Having a nurse attend your client’s DME isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic advantage. Nurses can act as fact witnesses in court, and their clinical observations carry weight. Over 50% of the DMEs we attend contain significant examination deficiencies that would go unnoticed without a trained medical professional in the room.
Clients frequently tell us that simply having a nurse by their side makes the entire experience less stressful, especially when they are being asked to attend multiple DMEs for different aspects of their case.
Are You Looking for DME Assistance? Let’s Connect.
Whether you need a single nurse observer or a reliable team to support your entire caseload, Aperio Solutions is here to help. We specialize in bringing medical clarity and integrity into every legal proceeding we touch.
Contact us today to schedule a DME consult or learn more about our nurse-led services.
Other Services
Mass Tort Firms
Mass tort law firms face several significant challenges. Gathering and presenting evidence for potentially thousands of individual claims can be an arduous task.
Medical Malpractice Law Firms
Whether your firm is seeking a thorough merit review, comprehensive chronology, or has another complex need, you can rely on our nurse-led team to support you in building a strong case and achieving the best outcome for your client.
Personal Injury Firms
From conducting investigations to handling communications and negotiation for clients, personal injury attorneys face high expectations to handle each case with efficiency and accuracy. Learn how Aperio Solutions can help your team.
