Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs) Explained
| FAQs | Answers |
|---|---|
| What is an IME? | An Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) is a medical examination performed by a neutral, third-party physician to assess a person’s medical condition. |
| Why are IMEs conducted? | IMEs are conducted for various reasons, such as determining the extent of injuries, evaluating the need for medical treatments, assessing impairment, and providing an objective opinion in legal cases. |
| Who requests an IME? | An IME can be requested by employers, insurance companies, attorneys, or other parties involved in a legal or compensation dispute. |
| What types of injuries are assessed in an IME? | An IME can assess a wide range of injuries, including orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, psychological disorders, and more. |
| How long does an IME typically take? | The duration of an IME can vary depending on the complexity of the case, but it generally ranges from one to three hours. |
| What happens during an IME? | During an IME, the evaluating physician will review the individual’s medical history, perform a physical examination, conduct any necessary tests or diagnostics, and then provide a detailed report with their findings and opinions. |
| Can the individual bring someone with them to the IME? | Usually, the individual undergoing the IME is allowed to bring a support person, such as a family member or friend, to the evaluation. |
| Will the IME physician provide treatment? | No, the purpose of an IME is not to provide treatment but to provide an objective assessment of the individual’s condition. |
| Can the individual choose their IME physician? | In some cases, the individual may have the opportunity to choose from a list of approved IME physicians provided by the requesting party. However, in most situations, the physician is selected by the requesting party. |
| What happens after the IME? | After the IME, the evaluating physician prepares a report with their findings and opinions, which is then provided to the requesting party for further actions or decisions. |