IME stands for Independent Medical Examination. In a workers’ compensation claim, an IME is an examination by a doctor who is not your treating doctor, usually arranged by the employer or insurer. The site’s IME guide explains that the IME doctor reviews your records, examines you, and gives an opinion about your injury, treatment or work ability.
Also asked as: What happens at an IME appointment?
The short answer
An IME is not the same as treatment. The IME doctor usually does not become your treating doctor, and the visit is often focused on answering specific questions about causation, treatment need, restrictions or maximum medical improvement. Attend the appointment as scheduled, answer honestly, and keep notes afterwards.
What to expect at an IME
Expect questions about how the injury happened, your symptoms, prior injuries, treatment so far and your job duties, followed by a physical examination. The visit may be shorter than a treatment visit. Bring a list of medications, treatment history and work restrictions, and be consistent with what you have told your treating doctor.
After the IME
After the IME, a report is usually sent to the insurer or employer, and it may affect decisions about treatment, benefits or settlement. Ask for a copy of the report if it is available to you, and discuss it with your treating doctor if you disagree with it. Write down what happened at the IME while it is fresh, including how long it lasted and what was examined.
What to do next
- Attend the IME as scheduled, and bring treatment and restriction records.
- Answer honestly and consistently, and do not exaggerate or minimize symptoms.
- Write notes about the IME immediately afterwards, and keep them with your claim file.
- Read What Is an IME?.
Verify against the IWCC: IME procedures can depend on the facts of a case. Check current guidance with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. If you are seriously hurt, get emergency care first.
This page is general information only. It is not medical advice, not legal advice, and this site is not a law firm. See the Disclaimer.