Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs) Explained

Personality Disorders IME	Pediatric Rehabilitation IME
1. What is it?	1. What is it?
IME conducted to assess and diagnose personality disorders in individuals.	IME conducted to assess the rehabilitation needs of children and adolescents.
2. Who performs it?	2. Who performs it?
IMEs are typically conducted by psychiatrists, psychologists, or mental health professionals.	IMEs are typically performed by pediatricians, pediatric rehabilitation specialists, or therapists.
3. What is the purpose?	3. What is the purpose?
The purpose of a personality disorders IME is to evaluate and diagnose psychological conditions that affect an individual’s personality and behavior.	The purpose of a pediatric rehabilitation IME is to assess the medical, functional, and therapeutic needs of children and adolescents to create a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
4. What conditions are assessed?	4. What conditions are assessed?
Personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, etc.	Conditions related to physical disabilities, developmental delays, neurobiological disorders, injuries, or illnesses affecting children and adolescents.
5. What assessments are involved?	5. What assessments are involved?
Psychological tests, interviews, observations, and reviewing medical history are common assessments in personality disorders IME.	Physical examinations, developmental assessments, neurological evaluations, functional evaluations, and reviewing medical records are common assessments in pediatric rehabilitation IME.
6. What are the expected outcomes?	6. What are the expected outcomes?
Diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and understanding of the impact of personality disorders on daily functioning.	Development of an individualized rehabilitation plan, recommendations for therapeutic interventions, and improving functional abilities.
7. Who may require this evaluation?	7. Who may require this evaluation?
Individuals suspected of having personality disorders or those seeking a comprehensive evaluation for personality-related issues.	Children, adolescents, or their families seeking rehabilitation services for physical disabilities, injuries, developmental delays, or neurobiological disorders.
8. Are there any risks involved?	8. Are there any risks involved?
No physical risks involved, but assessment may trigger emotional reactions or distress.	No physical risks involved, but assessment may cause temporary discomfort or anxiety for the child or adolescent.
9. How long does it take?	9. How long does it take?
The duration varies depending on the complexity of the evaluation, usually ranging from a few hours to multiple sessions.	The duration varies depending on the complexity, but typically involves multiple sessions over a period of several weeks to assess progress and make necessary adjustments.
10. Who receives the evaluation results?	10. Who receives the evaluation results?
The evaluation results are typically shared with the referring physician or healthcare provider and the individual being evaluated.	The evaluation results are shared with the referring physician, pediatrician, rehabilitation team, and other involved healthcare professionals.