An independent medical examination (IME) occurs when an qualified Independent Medical Examiner – a doctor with no prior relationship to the patient – examines an individual to determine the cause and extent of an injury where liability is at issue; whether an individual has reached maximum benefit from treatment; and whether any permanent impairment remains after treatment.
An IME is often ordered by an employer or an insurance company to obtain an independent opinion of the medical status of the individual. Self-insured employers and workers’ compensation insurance carriers have a legal right to this request.
