Independent medical examinations that hold up

An independent medical examination answers specific questions — causation, degree of impairment, treatment reasonableness, work capacity, maximum medical improvement — for a requesting party: insurers, attorneys (either side), employers, or courts. Dr. Morton's process is uniform regardless of who's asking: complete review of records and imaging (with imaging re-read personally, not summarized from reports), a thorough in-person examination, and a written report that separates objective findings from stated symptoms and answers each referral question directly.

IME opinions get tested — in depositions, hearings, and negotiations — and their durability tracks the examiner's credentials. Dr. Morton brings board certification, fellowship training in adult hip & knee reconstruction (University of Chicago) and orthopedic trauma (AO Fellowship, Charité Berlin), and an active surgical practice treating exactly the injuries most disputed claims involve: fractures, joint replacements and their failures, and post-traumatic arthritis causation questions.

The examination scope is general orthopedics: while Dr. Morton's surgical practice concentrates on the hip and knee, he performs IMEs across the musculoskeletal system — spine, shoulder, elbow, hand, and lower-extremity claims — applying the same records-first, findings-versus-symptoms discipline to each.

Examinations are coordinated at four clinics on two islands — Honolulu (Ala Moana) and West Oahu (Kunia) on O‘ahu, and Hilo and Kona on Hawai‘i Island — with scheduling designed around legal timelines. Records may be submitted in advance; reports are delivered on the agreed schedule. Related services include record-only reviews and clinical second opinions for patients themselves. Contact the office at (808) 439-6201 with the case type, jurisdiction, and timeline to begin.