Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs) Explained

Question	Answer
1. What is a Pediatric Rehabilitation IME?	A Pediatric Rehabilitation IME is an independent medical evaluation performed by a qualified medical professional specializing in pediatric rehabilitation. It is conducted to assess the medical condition and functional abilities of a child in need of rehabilitation services.
2. What is a Cranial Surgery IME?	A Cranial Surgery IME is an independent medical evaluation conducted by a specialist in cranial surgery to assess the medical condition of a patient who has undergone or requires cranial surgery. It helps determine the effectiveness of the surgery and the overall health of the patient.
3. How are Pediatric Rehabilitation IMEs different from Cranial Surgery IMEs?	While both evaluations are conducted by medical professionals, the focus and purpose of each evaluation differ. Pediatric Rehabilitation IMEs assess the medical condition and functional abilities of children requiring rehabilitation, whereas Cranial Surgery IMEs evaluate the effectiveness of cranial surgery and the overall health of the patient.
4. Who typically performs Pediatric Rehabilitation IMEs?	Pediatric Rehabilitation IMEs are usually conducted by doctors who specialize in pediatric rehabilitation medicine. These specialists have expertise in diagnosing and treating children with disabilities, injuries, or chronic medical conditions.
5. Who typically performs Cranial Surgery IMEs?	Cranial Surgery IMEs are typically performed by neurosurgeons or cranial surgery specialists. These medical professionals have extensive knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skull, brain, and nervous system.
6. What are the common reasons for Pediatric Rehabilitation IMEs?	Pediatric Rehabilitation IMEs are usually conducted for several reasons, including assessing the need for rehabilitation services, determining the progress of a child’s rehabilitation, evaluating the effectiveness of treatment plans, and providing expert opinions for legal or insurance purposes.
7. What are the common reasons for Cranial Surgery IMEs?	Cranial Surgery IMEs are commonly performed to evaluate the outcomes of cranial surgery, assess the healing process, detect any complications or side effects, provide recommendations for further treatment, and offer expert evaluations for legal or insurance purposes.
8. How long does a Pediatric Rehabilitation IME usually take?	The duration of a Pediatric Rehabilitation IME can vary depending on the complexity of the case. It may range from a couple of hours to a full day as it involves a comprehensive assessment of the child’s medical history, physical examination, and functional testing.
9. How long does a Cranial Surgery IME usually take?	The duration of a Cranial Surgery IME depends on the specific requirements of the evaluation. It may involve reviewing medical records, conducting a physical examination, and analyzing diagnostic imaging. Generally, it can take a few hours to complete.
10. Are Pediatric Rehabilitation IMEs and Cranial Surgery IMEs covered by insurance?	Insurance coverage for IMEs can vary depending on the insurance provider and policy. It is advisable to contact your insurance company to determine the coverage for Pediatric Rehabilitation IMEs and Cranial Surgery IMEs.