Independent Medical Evaluation

Synonyms

Independent neuropsychological examination

Definition

An independent medical examination (IME) is an evaluation performed by a doctor who is not involved in the patient’s care for the purpose of establishing medical- and job-related issues. The self-insured employer or worker’s compensation insurance carrier has a legal right to request an independent medical examination. Should an IME determine that the patient’s medical condition is not work-related, the insurer can deny the claim and refuse payment. But, the insurer must have a physician’s medical opinion prior to denying a claim. IMEs are often conducted for injured workers to determine the cause, extent, and medical treatment of an injury. Most requests for IMEs are for discovering whether a worker has reached maximum benefit from treatment or whether any permanent impairment remains from the injury.

While an independent medical examination involves a physician and a patient, an independent medical examination does not...