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Continuing Education Credits
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Executive Summary:This is the finest continuing education available on the topic of independent medical evaluations. Past SEAK IME attendees have substantially increased the success of their IME practices, have been able to raise their fees and have vastly improved their IME practices. The faculty have over 40 years of IME experience and are dynamic presenters. The learning methodology will utilize the latest research obtained specifically for this course to identify and solve the most pressing problems facing the seminar participants. Participants will be involved in a series of unique interactive learning experiences including mock direct and cross-examinations and demonstrations.

WHAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH BY ATTENDING:
• Understand specifically what providers are looking for from IME physicians
• Improve the opportunities for growing an IME practice
• Understand the IME selection process
• Avoid the biggest mistakes IME physicians make
• Write higher quality and more valuable IME reports
• Write more persuasive, defensible IME reports
• Reduce your legal risks
• Start and run an efficient and profitable IME practice
• Obtain high-quality clients with repeatable business
• Effectively deal with the most difficult ethical problems associated with IMEs
• Solve most or all of your IME problems
• Build a premier IME practice with built-in sustainability

COMMENTS FROM PAST ATTENDEES:
“Excellent ~ one of the best I have been to in 20 years”
“Absolutely superb”
“Extremely well run, informative, and entertaining”
“Faculty very competent and good teachers”
“More than excellent ~ profitable”
“Excellent preparation and presentation”
“Very practical”
“Excellent way of learning in shortest period of time”
“Full of usable information”
“Outstanding seminar with multiple practical tips”


Registration Information:
The $1,295 tuition includes continental breakfast and lunch with faculty each day and a detailed conference manual. All persons registering prior to October 15, 2011 will receive a complimentary copy of the best-selling 52-minute DVD The Expert Medical Deposition: How To Be An Effective and Ethical Witness (a $104 value).  Click here to register online.

CANCELLATIONS:
Conference cancellations received in writing prior to January 15, 2012 will receive a full refund.

Continuing Education Information: SEAK, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. SEAK, Inc. designates this live activity for a maximum of 14 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

HOTEL AND TRAVEL INFORMATION:
A limited block of rooms will be available at special rates at the site hotel ($189 Resort View / $219 Gulf View). Rooms are limited and this rate expires January 13, 2012. To make your reservations please call 1-800-237-7600 and mention that you are with SEAK, Inc. These rates are available for a limited time and on a limited number of rooms so you are strongly encouraged to make your reservations as soon as possible. The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club (www.naplesbeachhotel.com) features a gorgeous beach on the Gulf of Mexico, onsite championship golf, an award winning Tennis Center, large beachside swimming pools,complete fitness center, a world class Spa and a complimentary Beach Klub 4 Kids. It is located in the heart of Olde Naples and is a 2-3 minute drive to the world famous shops, galleries and restaurants of Fifth Avenue.  To register for the hotel online click here.

Most major domestic carriers and several international airlines provide frequent service into Southwest Florida International Airport, just 40 minutes from the resort. Naples is located approximately 100 miles west of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, 150 miles south of Tampa and is easily reached by automobile.

Faculty:
Geoffrey J. Shapiro, Esq., is a graduate of the University of California at Berkley and Boston College Law School. Attorney Shapiro is a trial attorney with the Cleveland, Ohio law firm of Shapiro, Shapiro and Shapiro Co., L.P.A. where he has one of the most active trial practices in Northeast Ohio. He specializes in workers’ compensation personal injury, and insurance bad faith cases primarily representing plaintiffs. Attorney Shapiro began his legal career in California where he specialized in litigation representing defendants and insurers in personal injury defense and insurance coverage cases. He is admitted to practice in the courts of California and Ohio.

Anthony J. Dorto, MD, FAADEP is the Medical Director of the Disability Assessment Center in Miami,Florida, which performs Independent Medical Evaluations, second opinions, functional capacity, and earning capacity assessments. Dr. Dorto is certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Disability Evaluation Physicians, and is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Dorto has lectured and written extensively on IMEs, symptom magnification and malingering, disability evaluation, and impairment rating. Dr. Dorto is an experienced trainer and has been on the SEAK IME faculty since 2003.

SCHEDULE

Day One (Thursday, February 9, 2012)

7:30–8:00 CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

8:00–8:15 Introduction
The faculty introduces themselves, explains the goals for the course and the interactive teaching methodology that will be utilized.

8:15–9:00 The Biggest Mistakes IME Physicians Make and How to Avoid Them
In this segment the faculty will utilize their 40 years plus of experience to identify and discuss the most common and significant IME mistakes physicians make: administratively, gathering and reviewing the medical records, conducting the examination, interacting with the examinee, report writing, testifying at deposition and hearing, billing, collection and marketing. Questions and Answers

9:00–9:30 Pleasing the Clients: The Latest Research on What Clients Really Want and Can You Deliver it?
Faculty will review with attendees the results of their research into what IME clients are looking for from IME physicians and how these influence their selection process. Included in the discussion will be: credentials, specialization, cooperativeness, report writing ability, and ability and willingness to testify at deposition or hearing. Questions and Answers

9:30–10:30 Advanced Physical Examination Techniques and the Quality IME Demonstrated
In this segment the faculty will discuss and demonstrate an exceptional IME exam. Discussion and demonstration will include: interview and history, questionnaires, review of records, diagnostic studies, physical orthopedic/neurological evaluation, testing in numerous examination positions, tools of the trade, report writing and comment sections of the report. Questions and Answers

10:30–10:45 BREAK AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY (WITH THE FACULTY)

10:45–12:00 Identifying Symptom Magnification, Fraud and Malingering: Advanced Techniques
Faculty will discuss and demonstrate with the use of videos, the proper symptom magnification definitions, injury red flags, non-organic signs and their meanings, how to identify and demonstrate any inconsistencies, specific tests for symptom magnification, the proper use of functional capacity evaluation, and the role of surveillance. Questions and Answers

12:00–12:45 LUNCH WITH FACULTY (PROVIDED)

12:45–1:45 Writing the Bulletproof IME Report: Exceeding Expectations
In this segment the faculty will discuss and demonstrate how to draft an IME report that will stand up under scrutiny and cross-examination. Attendees will be called upon to defend their pre-submitted IME reports. Questions and Answers

1:45–2:30 Efficiently and Effectively Dealing with Medical and Other Records and Materials Provided: Solving the Most Common Problems
The faculty will explain the most efficient techniques for obtaining, organizing, and reviewing the medical and other records provided. Emphasis will be placed on missing and disorganized records. Questions and Answers

2:30–2:45 BREAK AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY (WITH THE FACULTY)

2:45–3:30 IME Ethical Dilemmas: Avoiding Pitfalls and Minefields
In this segment the faculty will identify the most common and difficult IME dilemmas faced by IME physicians and will offer practical suggestions for resolving them. Questions and Answers

3:30–4:30 Innovative Premium Fee Setting and Billing Techniques
Faculty will present cost-effective efficient protocols for premium fee setting and billing. Emphasis will be placed on being paid for the time spent, expertise and quality of the work product. Questions and Answers

4:30–5:00 Working with Defense Attorneys: What They Are Really Looking For
The attendees will be provided insight into what defense attorneys are really looking for from IME physicians. Videos of defense attorneys explaining their needs and issues will be presented. Questions and Answers

DAY 2 (Friday, February 10, 2012)

6:30–7:00 CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

7:00–8:00 Advanced Practice Management: Maximizing the Efficiency of Your IME Practice
The faculty explains how to make your IME practice more efficient and profitable. Questions and Answers

8:00–9:00 Innovative, Professional, and Cost Effective IME Marketing Methods That Work: Selection and Engagement
Attendees will be presented with simple, cost-effective strategies to market and expand an IME practice. Emphasis will be placed on what the physician and staff can do to build a premium practice. Questions and Answers

9:00–9:15 BREAK AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY

9:15–9:30 IME Brokers and Scheduling Companies
The faculty will discuss and explain how to identify the companies physicians may want to work with, how to develop good working relationships and what should be avoided in considering working with these companies. Questions and Answers

9:30–10:00 Causal Relationships and the IME Physician: What You Need to Know
Attendees will be presented with a detailed review of the numerous causal relationship issues they face and will be provided techniques and explanations for dealing with them. Demonstrations with attendees will be conducted to illustrate key points of contention. Questions and Answers

10:00–10:15 BREAK AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY (WITH THE FACULTY)

10:15–11:00 The IME Physician Deposition: How to Excel
The faculty will provide a detailed checklist containing many of the issues physicians will face at deposition. Special emphasis will be placed on particular IME issues and questions. Demonstrations based on pre-submitted reports will highlight key points. Questions and Answers

11:00–11:30 How to Deal With Requests for “Modifications,” “Alterations,” or “Corrections” to Your Report
Attendees will express the most troubling issues they face in the cat and mouse requests of attorney and clients for modifications, alterations and corrections of their reports. The faculty will offer practical, ethical, and time tested solutions to these vexing issues. Questions and Answers

11:30–12:00 Independent Medical Examination Risk Management: What Can Go Wrong and How to Avoid It
The faculty will identify the most potentially troubling and dangerous risk management issues for IME physicians and offer safe protocols for dealing with these issues. Particular emphasis will be placed on avoiding unnecessary risk. Questions and Answers

12:00–12:45 LUNCH WITH FACULTY (PROVIDED)

12:45–1:30 Disability, Impairment and Ability to Work
In this segment the faculty will review with the attendees what their role should be in evaluating and defining the disability, impairment and ability to work of examinees. Particular emphasis will be placed on the precise wording of opinions and reports. Questions and Answers

1:30–2:15 Trick and Difficult Questions for the IME Physician
The faculty will demonstrate in an interactive fashion the most difficult questions IME physicians face and how to answer them truthfully and artfully. Insight will be provided into the significance of the questions and the replies. Questions and Answers

2:15–2:30 Takeaways, Conclusions and Evaluation
The faculty will review key points and open the floor for a free-flowing discussion of the issues covered in the entire two day conference.