Independent Medical Exams (IME)

An independent medical exam (IME) is an exam performed by a physician at the request of a referring source, such as an insurer or attorney. Normally, an IME is a one-time exam. IMEs are commonly requested in situations that involve automobile casualty, personal injury, and long-term disabilities, among other scenarios.

An IME physician is not involved in the care of the patient receiving the independent exam. They simply perform the exam and report their own diagnosis and opinions. Since the people reviewing the exam may not have a medical background, a good IME physician needs to be able to convey their findings in a clear and understandable way.