An IME is a one-time, objective medical examination performed by a physician who has not previously treated the patient. It is requested by a third party (such as an insurer, employer, or attorney) to obtain an impartial medical opinion about a person’s health, injury or disability. The IME doctor reviews the examinee’s history, conducts an examination, and provides a written report answering specific questions posed by the requesting party. Unlike a routine doctor’s visit, the IME physician does not assume a treating relationship; their role is solely evaluative.

IME’s are typically ordered by the party with an interest in the claim. Most often this is an insurance company or employer (for example, in workers’ compensation or disability claims), but it can also be a government agency or attorney. Attorneys for either side in a personal injury or disability case may arrange an IME to clarify medical issues. In practice, any stakeholder involved in a claim (insurer, employer, legal counsel, or sometimes even the claimant) can request an IME. For example, insurers and employers routinely use IMEs to verify the extent or cause of a work injury, while disability programs or courts may order IMEs to resolve disputes over medical eligibility.

Scheduling and report times can vary, but IMEs are generally completed relatively quickly. First, arranging the exam date may take days or weeks depending on physician availability. Once the exam is done, the physician typically needs time to review records and write the report. Under normal circumstances the IME report is prepared within about two weeks of the appointment. It is uncommon for a report to take longer than one to two months. If the examiner needs extra records or specialist tests, the report date may slip, but most examiners and insurers expect the written findings back in roughly 1–4 weeks after the exam.

You usually do not need to bring your medical records, X-rays or test results to the IME. The requesting party (insurer/employer) should have already sent all relevant records to the examiner. If you happen to have original films or reports with you, the doctor or attorneys might ask for them, but this is uncommon. In short, the burden is not on the examinee to provide paperwork – the IME physician should already have what they need.

You will be asked about your medical history and current condition. During the exam interview, the IME doctor typically asks a series of questions about how the injury happened, your symptoms, prior health issues, treatments you’ve received, and how the injury affects your daily life and work. Answer these questions truthfully and thoroughly. The examiner may also have you fill out forms about your history in advance. You should focus on relevant facts – for example, describe your pain, limitations, and any previous injuries or conditions. Avoid volunteering irrelevant personal details. Essentially, the patient’s role is to provide an accurate history and respond to the doctor’s questions; the examiner will then evaluate based on your answers and the records.

IME appointments are normally held in a medical office or clinic chosen by the requesting party. In practice, this means the examiner’s own office, a designated clinic, or an IME center. It is a professional setting (not your home or workplace) and resembles a regular doctor’s visit. You may have to travel to the doctor’s office – sometimes a significant distance – because the insurer selects the location. (Some workers’ compensation rules limit how far you must travel, but in general expect to attend the appointed clinic or specialist’s office.) The examining physician’s office is equipped for the assessment, often with any testing equipment needed.