Independent medical examination

An independent medical examination (IME) is an appointment where a worker will see a doctor who is not their regular doctor.

An insurer may send a worker to this appointment to seek more information about their injury or illness, to help guide decisions about their claim. A worker may be entitled to support with travel, this should be discussed directly with their insurer.

Purpose of an IME

Insurer’s are obligated to provide you the purpose, date and time of the IME appointment.

Some common reasons are:

• to obtain more information to help an insurer decide if they should accept a claim
• to better understand an injury and treatment options
• to decide if they should fund surgery or other treatment that’s been requested
• to help an insurer to identify what work a worker can safely do while they’re recovering
• to obtain information to understand whether a claim can continue or if it should stop.

Who will perform the IME?

Insurer’s must provide you the doctors name and specialty conducting your IME.

• The doctor will have medical expertise relevant to the injury or illness.
• They can only provide an independent medical opinion to an insurer and won't make decisions about a claim or provide treatment.
• Medical practitioners who provide IMEs also work as doctors in their own private practices and are not employed by an insurer.

An insurer will provide the doctor with medical reports or other relevant information before the appointment. The doctor may also contact a worker with their own requirements, such as a form to fill in, prior to the appointment.

A worker can take someone with them to the appointment, but it's up to the doctor if that person can be present during the examination.