Independent Medical Examination: What Is IME and Why You Need It

In personal injury, disability, or insurance claims in Canada, an Independent Medical Examination (IME) can be crucial in determining eligibility for benefits, liability, and further treatment. IME are usually requested to provide an unbiased medical opinion that legal practitioners and insurers can rely upon in contentious cases.

Understanding what an IME is and what to expect can help claimants, employers, insurers, and attorneys to make informed decisions.

What Is an Independent Medical Examination (IME)?

An IME is an extensive medical examination ordered by an insurance company, employer, or legal organization to obtain an unbiased and independent medical opinion about the health condition of a person.

This primary purpose is to determine the extent of injuries, if further treatment is necessary, or if a disability claim is warranted, provides a third-party opinion that is free from bias and influence from the concerned parties.

What to Expect During an Independent Medical Evaluation

An IME is often conducted by medical examiners or specialist doctors with experience in providing independent opinions.

Before the IM

You will be referred by the insurance company, your employer, or your lawyer.

The physician for the IME will get your medical reports, test results, and other documents that are relevant to your assessment in advance.

At the IME

The assessment will probably take place in a hospital or clinic setting.

The IME physician will conduct a complete assessment of your condition, such as physical examinations, questioning, and review of your medical history.

It is not a therapy session. Its only function is to provide an impartial opinion.

After the IME

The IME doctor will prepare a comprehensive IME report of his/her findings, opinions, and further treatment recommendations.

The report is forwarded to interested parties, for example, the insurance company, attorneys, and, perhaps, the courts.

The IME report can significantly influence benefits you are receiving, the outcome of your claim, or settlements.

Review of Medical Records

Before your IME, the physician employed will throughly examine all relevant medical records, including diagnostic tests, physician’s notes, past treatment plans, and hospital discharge reports.

This level of review ensures that expert examiners are properly informed and can render a medically appropriate, evidence based opinion.

It also serves to detect inconsistencies, assess recovery timeframes, and determine whether further treatment is necessary.

Evidence-Based Assessments

IME reports are evidence-based medicine. What this means is that the findings reached are not arbitrary but supported by scientific literature, clinical practice guidelines, and impartial medical evaluation.

Such evidence-based findings are especially crucial in determining at the end of a patient’s functional capacity, need for future care, or entitlement to benefits.

Are IMEs Fair for Disability Claimants?

IMEs are designed to provide an unbiased medical opinion, but they are often ordered by insurers who have a vested interest in the result.

This can sometimes result in assessments that more directly benefit the insurer than the disability claimant. Attorney’s legal support can help make the process fair and truly independent.

Why It’s Important to Attend an IME

Without an IME, you may face delays, denial of benefits, or even have your case dismissed. Attending shows that you are cooperating and gives the freedom to present your condition personally the independent doctor. It is crucial step in standing up for your rights.

How to Prepare for an Independent Medical Assessment

• Be honest and consistent about your symptoms.
• Go over your medical history and bring documentation to support papers.
• Document your restrictions beforehand.
• Understand the process by speaking with an attorney first.
• Preparation lets you articulate plainly and truthfully about your condition.

What Tactics Doctors Use to Distort Your Results

• Observe you outside the exam room.
• Use vague language to minimize your injury.
• Omit key information from the report of the IME.

These methods can damage your claim unjustly, so it is essential to be prepared and have your attorney examine the report carefully.

What Happens After an IME Report

The IME doctor will submit a written report to the insurance company and attorneys. The report can affect your decision on disability claim, treatment access, and benefits ongoing. If the report is defective, your lawyer can help challenge it.

Why Hire a Lawyer for a Disability Insurance Medical Exam

A lawyer can:

• Review the IME report for bias.
• Challenge unfair conclusions.
• Protect your right to benefits and justice.

Grillo Law’s experienced professionals are available to support you during the entire IME process in order to have your interests represented best.