Can anyone tell me how to get a fair shake on an Independent Medical Examination?

I hear the insurance companies employ them, and there is little chance of fairness in these situations

You're right. An IME isn't "Indpendent." This is America. You get what you pay for. The insurance company pays for the IME. You want a REAL IME? You can't get one unless YOU pay for it. And then it's still not independent, but at least it's your expert instead of theirs. It's about as simple as that. Good luck.

The doctors do try to be fair, but like you say, they are employed by the insurance company. They are looking for malingerers and psychosomatic issues. Don't overdo any of your complaints, what they term subjective symptoms. The doctors are looking for objective symptoms of your condition. Limitation in range of motion, and trigger points, if this is an orthopaedic exam. They'll also review your medical records from the time of your accident or injury, starting with the rescue squad, then emergency room. They'll look at whether you went to your family practitioner or doctor the ER referred you to, or whether you went to a doctor recommended by your attorney. They'll look at any x-rays and MRI's. They'll look at rehab records to see if you complied with their treatment, and kept all the appointments. They'll look at your pharmacy records, and whether you took your meds as recommended, and whether you prolonged your treatment with your doctors to get more meds. They'll look at any psychological assessments. They'll review your accident and medical history to see if you have pre-existing conditions or injuries. They'll look at whether any doctor gave you a disability rating, and whether it is temporary or permanent. They'll look at the doctors you treated with, and whether they were neutral or plaintiff oriented. They'll review your employment records. The IME is just to see how your condition relates to the records and x-rays they've reviewed, and they give their opinion, mainly looking for any inconsistencies. Don't fake anything, but be honest about your restrictions too. Good Luck!