Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs) Explained

FAQ	PTSD IME	Bone Fracture IME
1. What is an IME?	An IME is a medical evaluation conducted by an independent medical professional to assess the extent of a patient’s post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.	An IME is a medical evaluation conducted by an independent medical professional to assess the extent of a patient’s bone fracture and its impact on their overall health.
2. What is the purpose of an IME?	The purpose of a PTSD IME is to determine the severity of the patient’s symptoms, assess the causal relationship between the trauma and the symptoms, and provide an expert opinion for legal or insurance purposes.	The purpose of a Bone Fracture IME is to assess the severity, location, and extent of the bone fracture, evaluate the need for treatment or surgery, and provide an expert opinion for legal or insurance purposes.
3. Who performs the IME?	The PTSD IME is typically conducted by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist, with experience in diagnosing and treating PTSD.	The Bone Fracture IME is usually performed by an orthopedic surgeon or a physician specialized in musculoskeletal injuries and fractures.
4. How long does the IME take?	The duration of a PTSD IME can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the needs of the patient, but it usually takes several hours to complete.	The duration of a Bone Fracture IME can vary depending on the complexity of the fracture, the need for imaging tests, and the patient’s medical history, but it typically takes around one to two hours.
5. What information is needed for the IME?	For a PTSD IME, the evaluator may need access to the patient’s medical records, psychological evaluation reports, and a detailed account of the traumatic event.	For a Bone Fracture IME, the evaluator may require the patient’s medical history, imaging results, previous treatment records, and details about the incident causing the fracture.
6. Are there any risks associated with the IME?	There may be emotional risks involved in discussing traumatic events during a PTSD IME. Patients may experience temporary distress or an exacerbation of their symptoms.	During a Bone Fracture IME, there is a minimal risk of worsening pain or discomfort during the examination or being exposed to radiation if imaging tests are required.
7. How is the IME report used?	The report from a PTSD IME is used to inform legal proceedings, insurance claims, or to support the patient’s request for disability benefits or compensation.	The report from a Bone Fracture IME is used to evaluate the need for ongoing treatment, determine the extent of the patient’s disability or impairment, or provide evidence for legal or insurance purposes.
8. Can the IME report be challenged?	Yes, the validity and findings of a PTSD IME report can be challenged by obtaining a second opinion from another independent expert.	Similarly, the results of a Bone Fracture IME report can be challenged by seeking a second opinion from another qualified medical professional.
9. Is the IME confidential?	The information gathered during a PTSD IME is confidential and protected by patient confidentiality laws.	The information obtained during a Bone Fracture IME is also confidential and protected by patient confidentiality laws.
10. Who pays for the IME?	Usually, the cost of a PTSD IME is covered by the party responsible for the evaluation, such as an insurance company or a legal entity.	The payment for a Bone Fracture IME is typically covered by the party requesting the evaluation, like an insurance company or a legal entity.