Before
Prepare
Review your appointment information, confirm the location and time, and follow any instructions from the referring organization. Bring identification and any specifically requested items.
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Thorough. Objective.
Independent medical evaluations
Thorough. Objective.
Respectful.
An independent medical evaluation is a focused assessment completed for an authorized referring organization. Sentinel’s role is to accurately document the medical evidence—not to advocate for or against a particular outcome.
The purpose
A clear clinical picture, grounded in the record.
During an evaluation, the examiner reviews the available medical history, discusses the claimed or referred condition, performs the required examination, and documents relevant findings.
The examination is not the same as a treatment appointment. Sentinel does not establish benefit eligibility, assign disability percentages, or make the final decision on a claim.
Your appointment
What to expect
Knowing the process beforehand helps you arrive prepared and focus on giving an accurate account of your condition.
During
Participate
Describe your history and current symptoms honestly and specifically. The examiner may perform measurements, range-of-motion assessment, or other condition-specific examination procedures.
After
Complete
Sentinel completes the required documentation and returns it to the authorized referring organization. Questions about claim status or final decisions should be directed to that organization.
Our approach
The Sentinel standard guides every evaluation.
Independent
Clinical judgment remains impartial and free from a predetermined conclusion.
Objective
Findings are documented accurately, consistently, and within the scope of the referral.
Evidence-Based
Conclusions are grounded in the available records, clinical findings, and appropriate medical reasoning.
Respectful
Every examinee is treated with professionalism, dignity, and appreciation for their time.
Helpful answers
Common questions
Is this a treatment appointment?+
No. An independent medical evaluation documents information for the referring organization. It does not establish an ongoing patient-provider relationship or replace care from your treating clinician.
Does Sentinel decide my disability rating?+
No. Sentinel performs and documents the requested evaluation. The authorized agency or organization makes any eligibility, benefit, or rating decision.
Can I schedule my own disability examination?+
Government-authorized disability examinations must be scheduled through the referring organization. Sentinel can assist with questions about an appointment already assigned to our location.
What if I need to reschedule?+
Follow the instructions in your appointment notice or contact the scheduling organization shown on that notice. Sentinel can help confirm the appropriate contact when your appointment is assigned to us.
Already scheduled?