Legal Definitions - IME

IME stands for Independent Medical Examination or Independent Mental Evaluation.

An IME is an assessment conducted by a healthcare professional who has not previously treated the individual being examined. This evaluation is typically requested by a third party, such as an insurance company, an employer, or an attorney involved in a legal case. The purpose of an IME is to provide an objective, unbiased opinion on an individual's medical condition, injury, or mental state, often to determine the extent of an injury, its cause, the appropriateness of treatment, or an individual's ability to perform certain tasks or return to work.

• Example 1: Workers' Compensation Claim

  A construction worker suffers a knee injury on the job and files a workers' compensation claim for lost wages and medical expenses. After receiving treatment from their own doctor, the workers' compensation insurance company might request an Independent Medical Examination. A different orthopedic surgeon, chosen by the insurance company, would then examine the worker to provide an objective assessment of the injury's severity, whether it's truly work-related, and the worker's prognosis for recovery.

  This example illustrates how an IME is used by an insurance company to obtain an impartial medical opinion regarding the nature and extent of a work-related injury, which can influence decisions about benefit payments and ongoing treatment.

• Example 2: Personal Injury Lawsuit

  Following a car accident, a driver sues the at-fault party, claiming persistent whiplash and chronic pain that limits their daily activities. The defendant's attorney may request an Independent Medical Examination. A neurologist or pain specialist, selected by the defense, would evaluate the plaintiff to offer an independent assessment of their injuries, their current functional limitations, and whether the claimed symptoms are consistent with the accident, potentially challenging the plaintiff's treating physician's findings.

  This example demonstrates an IME's role in litigation, where an opposing party seeks an objective medical assessment to evaluate the validity and scope of claimed injuries and damages.

• Example 3: Long-Term Disability Application

  An office manager applies for long-term disability benefits, stating that severe anxiety and panic attacks prevent them from performing their job duties. The disability insurance provider may require an Independent Mental Evaluation. A psychiatrist or psychologist, independent of the applicant's treating therapist, would conduct an assessment to objectively evaluate the severity of the mental health condition, its impact on the applicant's ability to work, and whether it meets the criteria for disability benefits.

  This example highlights the "Independent Mental Evaluation" aspect of IME, where a mental health professional provides an unbiased assessment of a psychological condition for the purpose of a benefits claim.