Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs) Explained

Question	Answer
1. What are Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs)?	IMEs are medical evaluations conducted by an independent medical professional to assess an individual’s health condition, disability, or impairment.
2. How are IMEs different from regular medical evaluations?	IMEs are typically requested by third parties, such as insurance companies or legal entities, to gather objective medical information for purposes such as disability claims or legal proceedings.
3. Who performs IMEs?	IMEs are performed by qualified and impartial medical professionals who are not involved in the ongoing care of the individual being evaluated.
4. What is the goal of an IME?	The goal of an IME is to provide an unbiased assessment of the individual’s medical condition, functional abilities, and potential for recovery.
5. How long does an IME usually take?	The duration of an IME varies depending on the complexity of the case, but it typically lasts anywhere from one to several hours.
6. Do I need to bring any documents or medical records to an IME?	It is helpful to provide any relevant documents or medical records that can support your case, but the IME provider may also request specific records prior to the evaluation.
7. Can I have someone accompany me to an IME?	In most cases, you are allowed to have a support person present during the IME for emotional or physical support. However, they may not actively participate in the evaluation process.
8. Will the IME provider give me a diagnosis or treatment recommendations?	IME providers focus on providing an impartial assessment rather than offering diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Their role is to evaluate the current medical status and functional abilities.
9. How soon will I receive the IME report?	The time it takes to receive the IME report varies, but it is typically within a few weeks after the evaluation. The report will be sent to the party who requested the IME.
10. Can I request a copy of the IME report?	In most cases, you can request a copy of the IME report from the party who requested the evaluation. However, the release of the report may be subject to privacy and legal regulations.