Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs) Explained

Question	Answer
1. What is an Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)?	An Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) is a thorough medical assessment conducted by a qualified medical professional who is not involved in a patient’s regular treatment or care. It is often requested by insurance companies, employers, or attorneys to obtain an unbiased opinion on a person’s medical condition or disability.
2. What is Peripheral Nerve Surgery IME?	Peripheral Nerve Surgery IME is a specialized evaluation conducted by a surgeon with expertise in peripheral nerve surgery. It focuses on assessing and determining the need for surgical intervention in cases involving peripheral nerve injuries or disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve entrapments, or nerve tumors.
3. What is Behavioral Disorders IME?	Behavioral Disorders IME is an evaluation performed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist specializing in behavioral health. It aims to assess and diagnose various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other behavioral or psychiatric disorders.
4. How are peripheral nerve surgery IME and behavioral disorders IME different?	Peripheral nerve surgery IME focuses on assessing and determining the need for surgical intervention in cases involving peripheral nerve injuries or disorders. In contrast, behavioral disorders IME specializes in evaluating and diagnosing mental health conditions, without a direct focus on surgical procedures.
5. Who typically requests peripheral nerve surgery IME?	Peripheral nerve surgery IME is usually requested by insurance companies, employers, or attorneys involved in cases of work-related injuries, accidents, or medical claims where surgical intervention may be required to treat peripheral nerve disorders.
6. Who typically requests behavioral disorders IME?	Behavioral disorders IME is commonly requested by insurance companies, employers, or attorneys in cases related to mental health claims, disability claims, workers’ compensation, or legal proceedings where an objective assessment of a person’s mental health is necessary.
7. What can I expect during a peripheral nerve surgery IME?	During a peripheral nerve surgery IME, the evaluating surgeon will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may order additional diagnostic tests or imaging studies. They will assess the need for surgical intervention, discuss possible treatment options, and provide an unbiased medical opinion based on their findings.
8. What can I expect during a behavioral disorders IME?	During a behavioral disorders IME, the psychiatrist or psychologist will conduct a comprehensive interview, review your medical history, and may administer psychological tests or assessments. They will evaluate your mental health condition, diagnose any underlying disorders, and provide an impartial assessment of your behavioral health.
9. How long does a peripheral nerve surgery IME typically take?	The duration of a peripheral nerve surgery IME can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the extent of the evaluation. On average, it may take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
10. How long does a behavioral disorders IME typically take?	The duration of a behavioral disorders IME can also vary depending on the individual case and the depth of evaluation. It may range from 1 to 2 hours, or sometimes multiple sessions may be required to complete the evaluation.