What to Expect When You Refer a Case to Romanelli Orthopedic Forensics

Choosing an IME provider is as much about process reliability as medical expertise. Claims managers and defense counsel need to know what happens after a referral is submitted—turnaround times, communication, and availability if the case proceeds to litigation. Here's what to expect when you work with our practice.

Referral and Scheduling

Once a referral is received, we confirm receipt promptly and work to schedule the examination based on your timeline needs. Standard scheduling typically accommodates an appointment within 1-2 weeks; expedited scheduling is available for cases with pending deadlines.

What we need from you:

Complete medical records for review

Specific questions to be addressed in the report

Relevant claim documentation (incident reports, job description, prior claims history if applicable)

Surveillance footage, if available and relevant

Deadline requirements, if any

The Examination Itself

Examinations are thorough by design. We take the time necessary to obtain a complete history, perform a comprehensive physical examination, and review all relevant imaging—rather than rushing through a checklist. This isn't just about quality; it's about ensuring the resulting report will hold up if challenged later in the process.

Report Turnaround

Standard reports are completed within 10-14 business days of the examination. Rush reports can be accommodated for time-sensitive matters. Every report includes:

A complete review of records considered

Detailed history and examination findings

Diagnostic imaging interpretation

Clear, well-reasoned opinions addressing each specific question posed

Supporting medical rationale, including literature citations where relevant

We don't rely on boilerplate language. Each report is written to reflect the specific facts and findings of that case.

Communication Throughout the Process

We understand that claims teams and defense counsel often need updates or clarification before, during, and after the report is delivered. Our office is responsive to:

Status inquiries during the examination and drafting process

Requests for clarification on specific opinions after the report is delivered

Follow-up questions from claims staff or defense counsel reviewing the findings

Deposition and Trial Availability

If a case proceeds to litigation, Dr. Romanelli is available for deposition and trial testimony.

This includes:

Advance preparation calls with defense counsel

Flexible scheduling to accommodate court and deposition calendars

Clear, consistent testimony grounded in the original report's reasoning

Because reports are built with defensibility in mind from the outset, testimony aligns directly with the written opinion—minimizing surprises during cross-examination.

Ongoing Relationship for Repeat Referrals

For carriers and firms who refer cases regularly, we aim to build a working relationship that includes:

Familiarity with your specific reporting preferences and requirements

Consistent quality and turnaround across your caseload

Direct lines of communication rather than starting from scratch with each referral

Getting Started

If you're evaluating IME providers or considering a referral for an upcoming case, we're happy to discuss your specific needs, timeline, and the types of orthopedic cases where our expertise can be most useful.

About Romanelli Orthopedic Forensics (RIME)

Dr. Daniel Romanelli provides independent medical examinations, causation analysis, and expert testimony for insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and defense counsel, with a focus on thorough, defensible reports and reliable process from referral through trial testimony.

For more information contact Dr. Romanelli's office or fill out our contact form located on the contact page.