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.

In terms of discussing your medical history, 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. 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.

Generally, the party requesting the IME covers all costs. In most cases this means the insurance company or employer that ordered the exam. The IME doctor bills the requesting party directly for the examination fee. The patient (examinee) does not pay out of pocket for the IME. For example, in workers’ compensation the insurer pays all examination fees and any needed expenses. Typically the insurer will also reimburse any agreed-upon travel expenses or mileage for the examinee’s trip to the IME. (If a patient independently seeks an evaluation to support their own claim, they would personally arrange and pay for it; but such scenarios are uncommon.)

During the IME visit the examiner follows a structured process:

The doctor will first review your medical records (if they haven’t already) and then interview you. Expect questions about the origin of the injury, your job duties, pre-existing conditions, treatments so far, and your current symptoms and limitations. The examiner wants to understand what happened, what pain or disability you have now, and what prior health issues might be relevant.

Next the physician performs a focused physical examination. This may include tests of strength, range of motion, reflexes, sensation, and any specialized maneuvers related to your injury. Depending on the specialty, simple diagnostic tests or imaging (e.g. reviewing X-rays/MRIs) may also be done if necessary. The goal is to objectively assess your condition and function in relation to the claimed injury.

After the appointment, the examiner writes a detailed report summarizing their findings, diagnoses, and medical opinions. The report answers the specific questions posed by the requester (for example, “Can the person return to work?” or “Are current complaints related to the accident?”).

The completed report is then sent to the insurance company, employer or attorney who requested the IME.

In many jurisdictions, you are allowed to bring someone with you for support (such as a spouse, friend or family member) to the IME appointment. This person may sit in the waiting room or sometimes accompany you into the exam room if the physician permits. An observer can help you feel more comfortable and can later help you recall what happened during the exam. (If English is not your first language, you have the right to a translator.)

Laws on recording vary by state. Some guides advise that you may audio-record the IME as long as you inform the physician beforehand. For example, one source states that audio recording the exam is permissible if done unobtrusively and disclosed to the IME doctor. Other advice is that you should ask permission if you wish to record. Because recording rules depend on jurisdiction (some states require consent of all parties), it’s safest to check local laws or consult an attorney before secretly recording. If you want to record the exam, it’s best to notify the examiner in advance and obtain agreement. In any event, having a support person present does not affect the IME’s validity and is generally allowed.