IMEs Explained

Neurodevelopmental Disorders IME vs Spinal Orthopedic IME

FAQs	Answers
1. What are Neurodevelopmental Disorders IMEs?	Neurodevelopmental Disorders IMEs refer to Independent Medical Evaluations conducted to assess and diagnose conditions related to the development of the nervous system, such as autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, etc.
2. What are Spinal Orthopedic IMEs?	Spinal Orthopedic IMEs, on the other hand, are Independent Medical Evaluations specifically aimed at evaluating and diagnosing conditions related to the spine, spinal cord, and associated orthopedic issues.
3. How do they differ in terms of focus?	The focus of Neurodevelopmental Disorders IMEs is on assessing and diagnosing developmental issues of the nervous system, whereas Spinal Orthopedic IMEs focus on evaluating and diagnosing spinal and orthopedic conditions.
4. Are the evaluation methods different?	Yes, the evaluation methods differ between the two. Neurodevelopmental Disorders IMEs may involve psychological testing, behavioral observations, medical history reviews, and interviews, while Spinal Orthopedic IMEs may include physical examinations, imaging tests, and review of medical records.
5. What specialists are involved in each type of IME?	Neurodevelopmental Disorders IMEs may involve specialists such as pediatric neurologists, child psychologists, and developmental pediatricians. Spinal Orthopedic IMEs may involve orthopedic surgeons, spine specialists, and radiologists.
6. Can the same doctor perform both types of IMEs?	While it is possible for a doctor to have expertise in both neurodevelopmental disorders and spinal orthopedic conditions, typically different specialists are involved in performing specific IMEs.
7. How do the reports differ?	The reports of Neurodevelopmental Disorders IMEs focus on describing the developmental issues, diagnostic findings, treatment recommendations, and functional limitations. Spinal Orthopedic IMEs reports focus on the spinal or orthopedic condition, diagnostic findings, prognosis, and treatment recommendations specific to those concerns.
8. Who requests each type of IME?	Neurodevelopmental Disorders IMEs are often requested by parents, teachers, or attorneys seeking a comprehensive evaluation of a child’s developmental concerns. Spinal Orthopedic IMEs are usually requested by insurance companies, employers, or legal representatives in cases involving spinal or orthopedic injuries.
9. Are these IMEs covered by insurance?	The coverage may vary depending on the insurance policy and the specific circumstances. It is advisable to check with the insurance provider and review the policy guidelines.
10. How long do these IMEs usually take?	The duration of the IMEs can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the number of tests involved, and the availability of specialists. On average, these evaluations may take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.