Since Idaho's minimum auto liability limits increased in 2025 to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, insurers have been pressing hard on medical issues in injury claims. Usually no - but in some situations they can require an exam, just not choose your child's treatment doctor.

If your child was hurt in a Twin Falls crash and you're making a claim against the other driver - for example, after a work-zone lane shift on US-93 or I-84 - you choose the treating doctors. That can be your pediatrician, St. Luke's providers, specialists, or physical therapy. The liability insurer cannot order your child to switch care. They may ask for records or suggest an IME (independent medical exam), but it is not the same as treatment.

If the claim is under your own policy, such as MedPay or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, the answer is sometimes. Your policy may require your child to attend an exam by a doctor the insurer picks. That doctor is there to give an opinion for the claim, not to provide care. Missing that exam can create coverage problems.

If a lawsuit has already been filed, the answer is sometimes yes. Under Idaho Rule of Civil Procedure 35, a court can order a medical examination when your child's condition is genuinely in dispute. The insurer does not get to do this just because it asked; there usually must be a court order or agreement.

What matters most right away is keeping treatment consistent. Gaps in care, delayed concussion symptoms, and "pre-existing condition" arguments are common after truck and construction-season crashes. Save every bill, mileage log, and referral, and track who paid - health insurance, MedPay, Medicaid, or a hospital lien - because those payment sources can affect the final claim.