| Question |
Cranial Surgery IME |
Substance Use Disorders IME |
| What is the purpose of the IME? |
To assess the medical condition and determine the need for cranial surgery. |
To evaluate the presence, severity, and impact of substance use disorders on an individual’s functioning. |
| Who performs the IME? |
A cranial surgeon or a qualified healthcare professional specialized in neurosurgery. |
A licensed psychiatrist or addiction medicine specialist. |
| What are the common reasons for undergoing this IME? |
Presence of head trauma, brain tumors, hydrocephalus, or other conditions requiring cranial surgery. |
Suspected substance abuse or addiction, impact of substance use on work performance or disability claims. |
| What does the evaluation process involve? |
Reviewing medical history, conducting physical and neurological examinations, and analyzing imaging or diagnostic tests. |
Assessment of substance use history, psychological evaluation, screening for co-occurring disorders, and review of treatment records. |
| Are there any risks involved? |
Minimal risks associated with physical examinations or specific diagnostic tests. |
No direct risks, but potential emotional discomfort or relapse triggers during evaluation. |
| What is the expected outcome of the IME? |
Identification of the medical condition, determination of the need for cranial surgery, and treatment recommendations. |
Diagnosis of substance use disorder, severity assessment, treatment recommendations, and evaluation of functional impairment. |
| How long does the IME usually take? |
Varies depending on the complexity of the case, but typically multiple consultations and a few hours of examinations. |
Varies depending on the comprehensiveness of the evaluation, but generally one or two appointments lasting several hours. |
| Is there any special preparation needed? |
Specific preoperative instructions, such as fasting before imaging tests or stopping certain medications. |
None in general, but individuals may be advised to bring relevant medical documents or cessation of substance use before the evaluation. |
| Who receives the IME report? |
The referring physician/surgeon and relevant healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care. |
The referring physician/therapist, legal representatives, employers, insurance companies, or other authorized parties. |
| Are the IME results confidential? |
Yes, the results are treated with strict confidentiality, respecting applicable privacy laws and regulations. |
Yes, the results are confidential and shared only with authorized parties involved in the evaluation or as required by law. |
