What is an IME?
Primarily, an IME must be impartial and based on medical evidence. The evaluation is performed by a physician who is an expert in a relevant field or specialty, but who is not involved in monitoring the claimant’s health or treatment. Instead, these physicians will have a limited relationship with the examinee, usually confined to just the ordered IME. IME physicians are objective evaluators, rather than treating physicians, for the examinee and, therefore, do not have a stake in the outcome of the evaluation.
The examinee is usually referred by a third party, such as an adjuster at a third-party administrator, state agency, or workers’ comp insurance company. The process of the evaluation includes obtaining a medical history, performing a physical examination, and reviewing medical records and associated diagnostic studies.
IME physicians perform the exam to assess the examinee’s health, injury, or disability. They have a dual obligation to the patient and the third party. For patients, although IME physicians do not have a direct treating role, they may recommend different treatment protocols as best practice. They may also suspect undiagnosed illnesses and, when appropriate, suggest the patient seek care from a qualified physician. For the third party, IME physicians will respond to questions posed and provide a final IME report with their findings, based on medical evidence.
Conclusion: Coming up next, You may not know what you don’t know! Even when it comes to IMEs — Until Now! - By understanding the IME process, you can ensure a fair, evidence-based evaluation — stay tuned for what’s coming next, you won’t want to miss it!
If you are ready to explore further, download the entire eBook here: Emperion eBook.
If now is the time to request an exam, visit our online referral form.