Let's break down what Independent Medical Examinations (IME) really are, why insurance companies use them, and how injured workers can protect themselves before, during, and after the exam!
“Independent Medical Examination” sounds neutral, but that word “independent” is misleading. The IME doctor is not your doctor. They’re not there to treat you, help you heal, or look out for your best interests.
IME doctors are hired and paid by the insurance company. Their job is to examine you once and write a report the carrier can use. That report can carry more weight than months—or years—of treatment notes from your own doctor.
They don’t follow your progress over time. They don’t manage your care. And they don’t deal with the fallout if their opinion cuts off your benefits. The exam may be separate from your treating doctor, but it’s not separate from the insurance company’s financial goals.
Insurance companies order IMEs for one reason: to protect their bottom line. An IME is meant to create medical evidence they can use to limit or end your benefits.
That might mean arguing your injury isn’t work-related, saying you don’t need more treatment, claiming you can return to work, or lowering your disability rating. Very often, the IME doctor’s opinion is used to directly contradict your treating doctor—even though your doctor has seen you many times and the IME doctor has seen you once.
IME timing is rarely random. Early in a case, they’re often used to dispute causation—basically to say your injury didn’t come from work.
Later on, IMEs tend to show up before expensive treatment like surgery, long stretches of therapy, or costly medications. They’re also common after you’ve been receiving benefits for a while, or when you’re getting close to Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
Skipping an IME hurts you, not the insurance company. Missing exams can lead to suspended checks, cut-off medical care, and judges viewing you as uncooperative. Even one missed IME can cause issues if it’s not handled properly. You don’t have to like the exam or trust the doctor—but you do have to go.
You can reschedule an IME for legitimate reasons like illness, surgery, work conflicts, other medical appointments, or unreasonable travel. What matters is how you do it.
You need to notify the IME vendor, the insurance company, and your lawyer as soon as possible. One reschedule is usually fine. Multiple reschedules, cancellations, or no-shows can quickly become a big problem.
The insurance company has to give proper notice of the IME, including where you’re going, when, and who you’re seeing. They also can’t send you an unreasonable distance, especially if you have physical limitations.
You’re entitled to reimbursement for reasonable medical travel expenses like mileage or public transportation. In some cases, transportation may be provided. If the timing or location creates a real hardship, you can ask to reschedule—just don’t skip it.
Talking too much is one of the biggest mistakes. Casual conversation and offhand comments often end up in the IME report—and not in a good way.
Other common mistakes include:
The IME doesn’t start when you sit down with the doctor. It starts in the parking lot. How you walk, sit, stand, and move before and after the exam can all be observed.
In some cases, surveillance may even be involved. If what you say during the exam doesn’t match what’s observed outside of it, that inconsistency can be used against you. The safest approach is consistency—don’t exaggerate and don’t downplay.
Treat the IME like a court appearance. Be polite, calm, and professional. Answer questions honestly and briefly. Don’t volunteer extra information.
If something hurts, say so. If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification. If you don’t know an answer, say you don’t know. Use assistive devices the same way you use them every day. Consistency with your medical records matters more than trying to make a good impression.
An IME is an evaluation, not treatment. You generally don’t have to agree to invasive procedures or extra testing. With proper notice, you may be allowed to bring a witness or record the exam.
You’re usually not required to bring your own medical records. That’s the insurance company’s responsibility. You should, however, note how long the exam lasts and anything unusual that happens.
A bad IME report doesn’t end your case. It’s a setback—but often a fixable one.
Get a copy of the report and review it carefully. Look for things that didn’t happen, injuries that are missing, or statements you didn’t make. Compare it to your treating doctor’s records. Your doctor has seen you over time; the IME doctor hasn’t—and that difference matters.
If your benefits are cut or treatment is denied after an IME, time matters. Ignoring letters or waiting too long can limit your options. Write everything down and get that information to your lawyer right away. The sooner problems are addressed, the easier they are to fix.
If you’re dealing with an IME now, have one coming up, or are already dealing with a bad report, you’re welcome to reach out. If you want to talk things through or make sure you’re not missing something important, give me a call.
You can contact me, Rex Zachofsky. No pressure—just a conversation to see where things stand and whether I can help you protect your workers’ compensation case.
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