During your workers' compensation claim, you may be required to attend medical examinations with doctors chosen by the insurance company. Understanding Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) and how to prepare for them protects your claim and ensures fair evaluation.
What Is an IME?
An Independent Medical Examination is a medical evaluation conducted by a physician selected by the insurance company—not your treating doctor. Despite the name, IMEs are not truly "independent"—the insurance company pays the doctor and often uses physicians known for reaching conclusions favorable to insurers.
IMEs serve the insurance company's interests: evaluating whether your injury is work-related, assessing your current condition, determining if you've reached maximum medical improvement, and rating any permanent impairment.
When IMEs Are Required
Insurance companies request IMEs when: they question whether your injury is work-related, they dispute your need for treatment, they believe you can return to work, they want to assess permanent disability, or your treating doctor's opinions favor you too strongly.
Workers' comp laws generally give insurers the right to request reasonable medical examinations. Refusing to attend without valid reason can jeopardize your benefits.
Your Rights Regarding IMEs
Know your rights: You're entitled to reasonable notice of the examination. The exam must be scheduled at a reasonable time and location. You may have someone accompany you in some jurisdictions. You can request a copy of the IME report. Travel expenses to the exam may be reimbursable.
Preparing for the IME
Proper preparation is essential:
Review your medical records: Know your treatment history, symptoms, and what your treating doctors have said.
Document current symptoms: Be prepared to accurately describe your current condition—pain levels, limitations, and how the injury affects daily activities.
Know your timeline: When did the injury occur? When did symptoms start? How have they progressed?
List your medications: Bring a complete list of current medications and treatments.
Review work restrictions: Understand what limitations your doctors have placed on you.
During the IME
How you conduct yourself matters:
Be honest: Don't exaggerate or minimize symptoms. Inconsistencies will be noted and used against you.
Be thorough: Describe all symptoms, even ones you might think are minor.
Be consistent: Your description should match what you've told treating doctors.
Don't volunteer extra information: Answer questions accurately but don't ramble or speculate.
Note the exam length: Very short exams (15-20 minutes) may indicate the doctor didn't thoroughly evaluate you.
What IME Doctors Look For
IME physicians often look for inconsistencies: differences between your complaints and examination findings, discrepancies between your statements and medical records, signs of exaggeration or malingering, and activities inconsistent with claimed limitations.
They may also watch your movement in the waiting room or parking lot—be consistent about your limitations throughout your visit.
Common IME Outcomes
IME reports often conclude: your injury isn't work-related, you've recovered and can return to work, you need less treatment than your doctor recommends, your permanent impairment is lower than your treating doctor assessed, or you're malingering or exaggerating.
These conclusions often conflict with your treating physician's opinions—sometimes dramatically.
Challenging IME Findings
You can challenge unfavorable IME reports: Your treating doctor can provide a rebuttal report. You can request your own independent evaluation. Your attorney can cross-examine the IME doctor at hearings. Evidence of the IME doctor's bias or history of insurer-favorable opinions can undermine credibility.
Recording the IME
Some states allow recording IME examinations. Check your state's rules—recording may protect you by documenting exactly what occurred and what was said during the exam.
Getting Legal Help
If you're facing an IME, consult a workers' compensation attorney. They can advise you on your specific rights, help you prepare, and challenge unfavorable findings. Many adverse benefit decisions stem from IME reports—proper preparation and legal support are essential.