PAX Health has acquired MAKRAF IME, a statewide provider of psychology and neuropsychology independent medical examinations in New Jersey. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition expands PAX Health’s network of licensed examiners and strengthens its ability to provide independent medical examination reports for state agencies, employers, insurance companies, attorneys and other referral partners.
MAKRAF IME operates across 17 New Jersey counties and is one of the relatively few psychology and neuropsychology examination groups capable of serving clients throughout the state.
Its licensed psychologists and neuropsychologists provide independent opinions involving behavioral health conditions and their relationship to workplace injuries, insurance claims, disability matters and other medical-legal questions.
An independent medical examination, commonly known as an IME, is performed by a qualified medical professional who is not responsible for the patient’s ongoing treatment.
The examination is intended to provide an objective assessment of a person’s condition, functional abilities, treatment needs and prognosis.
These reports may be used by insurers, employers, attorneys, government agencies and courts when evaluating claims, determining benefits or resolving disagreements involving medical evidence.
MAKRAF IME provides psychology IMEs, neuropsychology IMEs, disability evaluations, permanency evaluations and fitness-for-duty assessments.
Its examiners can also provide opinions about causality, which addresses whether a particular event or condition contributed to an individual’s psychological or cognitive symptoms.
The group evaluates whether additional treatment is medically necessary and whether a person has reached maximum medical improvement.
Maximum medical improvement generally refers to the point at which a condition has stabilized and further treatment is not expected to produce substantial additional recovery.
Permanency evaluations assess whether an impairment is expected to continue over the long term, while fitness-for-duty examinations consider whether an individual can safely and effectively perform the responsibilities associated with a particular position.
Neuropsychological evaluations can involve the assessment of memory, attention, reasoning, language and other cognitive functions.
These examinations may be relevant when a claim involves a head injury, neurological condition or reported changes in cognitive performance.
Psychological evaluations can address emotional, behavioral and mental health symptoms that may affect a person’s ability to work or participate in daily activities.
PAX Health said MAKRAF IME has developed a reputation for producing accurate, science-supported reports within the timelines expected by referral partners.
Timeliness is important in medical-legal matters because delays in obtaining an examination or report can slow decisions involving treatment, employment status, insurance coverage and legal proceedings.
The acquisition gives PAX Health access to MAKRAF IME’s established statewide referral infrastructure and experienced network of examiners.
MAKRAF IME’s clinicians and existing operations will be integrated into PAX Health while maintaining the service standards and relationships its clients currently rely on.
The combination is expected to increase PAX Health’s examination capacity and improve access to qualified psychology and neuropsychology professionals across New Jersey.
The broader geographic network may make it easier to schedule examinations closer to where claimants, employees and other individuals live or work.
For MAKRAF IME, joining PAX Health provides access to a larger behavioral health organization with additional resources, operational capabilities and opportunities for continued expansion.
PAX Health provides behavioral health services and develops solutions for individuals, employers, businesses and communities.
The company focuses on combining clinical resources, administrative capabilities and established care practices to address a range of mental health and wellbeing needs.
The MAKRAF IME acquisition strengthens PAX Health’s medical-legal services while broadening its role in independent behavioral health assessments.
The transaction also positions the combined organization to serve a larger volume of referrals involving complex psychological and neuropsychological questions.
KEY QUOTES:
“MAKRAF IME has built a strong reputation for accurate, science-backed evaluations delivered within the timeframes our referral partners expect. Their statewide network of respected psychologists and neuropsychologists strengthens our IME capabilities and supports our mission to deliver timely, high-quality medical-legal services.”
Anthony DeSena, CEO of PAX Health
“This acquisition by PAX Health will greatly enhance our ability to provide psychological opinions to state agencies, employers, insurance companies and attorneys.”
Dr. Richard Filippone, Co-Founder of MAKRAF IME
“We are very pleased to be part of the PAX Health Nation and look forward to our continued growth with PAX at the helm.”
Dr. Maryann Kezmarsky, Co-Founder of MAKRAF IME
