I perform independent chiropractic examinations for workers’ compensation, auto liability, and disability matters throughout Fairfield County and lower New Haven County, from an office in Norwalk with same-week availability.
I’ve been in chiropractic practice in Norwalk since 2002 and performed independent medical examinations from 2009 through 2023, alongside more than a decade of utilization and medical-necessity review. What that combination gives a referring party is an examiner who knows what current chiropractic treatment actually looks like in the field — how it’s documented, how it’s billed, and where a treatment course stops being supported by the clinical picture.
What is an independent chiropractic examination?
An independent chiropractic examination is an evaluation performed by a chiropractor who is not treating the claimant, conducted at the request of a carrier, employer, attorney, or third-party administrator to answer specific questions about a claim.
No treating relationship is created. The examinee is told at the outset who requested the examination and how the information will be used. The output is a written report responsive to the referral questions — not a treatment plan.
What questions can a chiropractic IME answer?
The referral questions vary by claim type, but most fall into a few categories:
- Causation. Is the current condition related to the reported mechanism of injury, and to what degree does pre-existing degenerative change contribute?
- Reasonableness and necessity of care. Was the treatment rendered appropriate in type, frequency, and duration for the documented findings?
- Maximum medical improvement. Has the condition plateaued, and if not, what remains clinically justified?
- Permanent impairment. Rating under the applicable edition of the AMA Guides.
- Work capacity. What restrictions, if any, are supported by objective findings?
- Prospective care. Is further treatment indicated, and on what clinical basis?
What types of claims do you handle?
Workers’ compensation
Connecticut workers’ compensation examinations are conducted as Respondent’s Medical Examinations under the Workers’ Compensation Commission. These typically center on maximum medical improvement, permanency rating, work capacity, and whether ongoing treatment remains supported.
Auto and general liability
Liability matters, which in Fairfield County are most often rear-end and low-speed collisions, turn heavily on causation and treatment necessity. The recurring question is how much of a lengthy treatment course is attributable to the collision versus pre-existing findings — a question that requires knowing what a legitimate post-collision course of care looks like.
Disability
Disability evaluations focus on functional capacity and the objective findings supporting or failing to support claimed restrictions.
Records review and peer review
Not every question requires an examination. I accept file review and medical-necessity determinations without an in-person exam, including remote assignments outside my geographic area.
How long does a report take?
Reports are returned within 10 business days of the examination and receipt of complete records. Expedited turnaround is available by prior arrangement.
Late reports are the most common complaint referring parties have about examiners, and it’s the part of this work that is entirely within the examiner’s control. I don’t accept assignments I can’t turn around on schedule.
Where are examinations conducted?
Examinations take place at my office at 148 East Avenue, Suite 1D, Norwalk, CT 06851, in the Riverview East medical building, directly accessible from I-95 Exit 16. There is free on-site parking and the office is ground-level accessible. No separate facility fee is charged.
The location draws reasonably from Stamford, Westport, Wilton, Darien, New Canaan, Bridgeport, and Danbury, and is roughly 45 minutes from White Plains and lower Westchester.
What are your qualifications?
- Doctor of Chiropractic, licensed in Connecticut, License No. 1506
- 23 years in continuous private practice in Norwalk
- Independent medical examinations, 2009–current, across workers’ compensation, auto liability, and disability claims
- Utilization and clinical records review, 2011–2023
- Prior deposition and trial testimony in personal injury matters
- Graduated summa cum laude, National University of Health Sciences
- Contributor, Dynamic Chiropractic
Why does examiner selection matter?
Because the alternative is expensive. Poorly reasoned reports get excluded, get impeached on cross, or force a second examination — and the cost of an inadequate report is rarely the report fee.
Conclusions in my reports are tied to the documented record and to findings I can defend under questioning. Where the record doesn’t support a conclusion, I say so. An examiner who never finds in the claimant’s favor isn’t independent, and everyone in the process eventually notices.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. I accept assignments from carriers, employers, third-party administrators, IME management companies, and attorneys on either side. Fees are never contingent on the content of a report.
Yes, under the edition applicable to the jurisdiction. Ratings can be provided as part of a full examination or as a standalone assignment.
A current fee schedule is available on request, covering examinations with narrative report, records review, addenda, and testimony.
Yes, scheduled in advance with fees payable prior to the date.
Call (203) 939-9700 or email [email protected] with the claim type, jurisdiction, and your referral questions.
Refer a case
Dr. Thomas French, D.C.
148 East Avenue, Suite 1D, Norwalk, CT 06851
(203) 939-9700 | [email protected]
Examiner panel inquiries from IME management companies welcome. CV and fee schedule available on request.