So You Want to Do IMEs?: How to Develop This Service

Abstract

The additional skills necessary to become a qualified independent medical evaluator require training beyond what is included in medical school and formal residency training. This is not a good thing, because physicians typically will need to seek out education and training while they are in the midst of their practice careers. However, physicians often will seek to add IME services to their menu of offerings as they consider their level of expertise and other practice economic dynamics. Several organizations are devoted to continuing medical education courses that address IME skills, and there are also certifications in IME provision that are available. It is recommended that the novice IME physician begin with the more simple and straightforward cases such as those involving the Social Security Disability system and then expand into other areas once a level of comfort is established.