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What happens at an Independent Medical Examination (IME)?
Quick answer: An IME is a single assessment arranged by the insurer with an examiner who is independent of your ongoing treatment, used to provide an opinion for the purposes of your claim. It is not treatment, and understanding what it involves can make it feel less daunting.
Being asked to attend an IME can raise questions, especially if you have not been through the process before. The points below explain what an IME is for, how it differs from your ongoing treatment, and what to expect.
What an IME is for
Insurers arrange IMEs to obtain an independent opinion on your condition at a particular point in a claim. This might relate to diagnosis, treatment needs, capacity for work, or other questions relevant to how the claim is being managed.
How it differs from your ongoing treatment
An IME is a one-off assessment, not an ongoing therapeutic relationship. The examiner is independent of your treating team, and the appointment is focused on forming an opinion for the claim rather than providing treatment.
What to expect at the appointment
Most IMEs involve an interview covering your history, current symptoms and how things are affecting your day-to-day functioning. Depending on the referral questions, you may also be asked to complete some questionnaires. The appointment is usually a single session.
How your treating psychologist can help you prepare
Your treating psychologist cannot tell you what to say at an IME, and should not try to, but can help you understand the purpose of the appointment, answer general questions about the process, and address any anxiety you may be feeling about it beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
No. An IME is a single, independent assessment used to inform the claim, whereas your ongoing treatment is provided by your treating psychologist as part of your recovery.
This varies by examiner and by the nature of the assessment. If you have questions about attending with a support person, it is worth checking with the insurer or the examiner's office ahead of the appointment.
If you have concerns about the findings of an IME, these are usually best raised with your insurer, your solicitor if you have one, or discussed with your treating team, depending on your situation.
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Make an enquiry
If you have questions about an upcoming IME or how it relates to your treatment, please call or email directly. All enquiries are handled personally.
This page is general information for people in NSW and is not personal or clinical advice. Eligibility and treatment depend on your individual claim and insurer approval. Please speak with your treating doctor about your situation.