What Is an Independent Medical Examiner?

An independent medical examiner (IME) is a physician from outside your treatment circle who evaluates your condition using objective metrics. IME agencies hire highly qualified and impartial physicians for these evaluations.

Examinations may be requested or required of you by insurance companies; arming yourself with knowledge can help ease this crucial stage in your case.

What Is an IME?

An independent medical examiner (IME) is a doctor who performs a thorough health assessment after an accident to determine the validity of injuries as part of legal proceedings, such as workers' compensation hearings. An IME may be requested by insurance companies, lawyers, benefit providers, or employers in these cases.

When an independent medical examiner is appointed, the party requesting the evaluation must provide relevant medical records that allow the examiner to assess physical and cognitive abilities as well as the severity of injuries. The examiner then reviews these records in order to perform the assessment and report back.

At an IME, the examiner will ask questions about your injury and may request specific details, including how it has affected you, your daily activities, and your ability to work. For an objective and fair evaluation, it’s essential that you be honest and respectful throughout this process. If unsure how to respond during an IME session, consult your lawyer, as they can help you avoid discrepancies that could negatively affect your case.

How Does an IME Work?

An independent medical examiner conducts an in-person physical exam, reviews medical records, and performs any required diagnostic tests or procedures before compiling a written medical report, which is submitted to the party who requested the evaluation.

Insurance providers may arrange for an IME for various reasons, including concerns about the severity of reported injuries or inconsistencies between treatment notes and patient reports. An insurer or defendant must show sufficient cause before scheduling such an evaluation and must inform the injured person about the date, time, and place.

Injury victims must come prepared when meeting an independent medical examiner. They should bring relevant medical records, test results, and supporting evidence, as well as be polite yet honest when discussing symptoms, limitations, and their impact on daily activities with the examiner. It’s also important to know your rights during this process and understand how to dispute an unfavorable report if necessary.

What Should I Expect at an IME?

If you attend an IME, it is essential to know who has selected the medical examiner—this may be your employer, insurance carrier, or legal representative.

The examiner will ask numerous questions about your injury and its effect on your daily life. It is crucial that you answer honestly, as any exaggeration could jeopardize your case.

An independent medical examiner may conduct diagnostic tests such as X-rays and MRIs, the results of which help establish the severity and extent of your injuries. The examiner should have access to your medical records prior to the appointment to understand your condition. There are even entire medical practices dedicated solely to providing IME services for defense interests and self-insured employers—an extremely lucrative business for the doctors who perform them.