An independent medical exam, or IME, is when a doctor who is not your regular doctor checks your injuries. This happens most often in personal injury cases, workers’ compensation claims, and insurance disputes. The insurance company usually picks the doctor and pays for the visit.
While it’s called “independent,” the doctor works for the insurance company. Their job is to give a second opinion about your injuries. This can affect how much money you get for your claim or whether you keep getting benefits.
When You Need an IME
Insurance companies ask for an IME when they want to check on your injuries. This usually happens after you file a claim for car accidents, truck accidents, or workplace injuries.
Common Reasons for an IME
Insurance companies order these exams to:
- Check if your injuries are real and as serious as you say
- See if you can go back to work
- Find out if you need more medical care
- Question whether the accident caused your injuries
- Look for old injuries they can blame instead
According to research from the National Institutes of Health, IMEs play a big role in settling injury claims. The exam report can change the value of your case by thousands of dollars.
When You Must Go
You have to attend an IME in most cases. If you don’t show up, the insurance company can:
- Stop your benefits right away
- Deny your entire claim
- Have a judge throw out your case
Most insurance policies have a rule that says you must go to an IME if they ask. The only time you can say no is if the request is unfair. For example, if they make you travel too far or ask you to see a doctor who has nothing to do with your injuries.
How to Get an IME
When Insurance Orders One
The insurance company will send you a letter at least 10 days before the exam. This letter tells you:
- The date and time
- Where to go
- What doctor will see you
- Why they want the exam
You cannot pick your own doctor for this type of IME. The insurance company chooses who examines you.
Can You Request Your Own IME?
Sometimes you can ask for an IME yourself. This might help if you think the insurance company is not giving you enough medical care. You would need to work with your lawyer to make this request in writing.
However, most of the time, insurance companies are the ones who order IMEs. They use these exams to find reasons to pay you less money.
How to Prepare for Your IME
Before Your Appointment
Get ready for your exam by doing these things:
- Write down all your injuries and how they hurt
- List all the doctors who treated you
- Remember what medicines you take
- Know what you can’t do anymore because of your injury
- Review your medical records
Bring someone with you if you can. Many states let you record the exam with your phone. Tell the doctor before you start recording.
During the Exam
The doctor will ask you questions and check your body. The exam usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Here’s what to do:
Be honest. Tell the truth about your pain and injuries. Don’t make things sound worse or better than they are.
Answer only what they ask. Don’t give extra information or chat about other topics.
Stay polite. Even if the doctor seems rude, keep your cool. Everything you say and do gets written in the report.
Show your injury. Wear clothes that let the doctor see your injury easily. If you use a brace or crutches, bring them.
What Not to Do
Never:
- Lie about your symptoms
- Leave out important facts
- Talk badly about your boss or the insurance company
- Try to act more hurt than you are
The doctor is watching everything. They note how you walk, sit, and move. If you say your back hurts but you bend easily, they’ll write that down.
What Happens After the Exam
The doctor writes a report and sends it to the insurance company. You should get a copy too. Read it carefully with your lawyer.
The report might say:
- You’re not as hurt as you claim
- Your injuries came from something else
- You don’t need more treatment
- You can go back to work
If the report is wrong, your lawyer can fight it. They might ask your regular doctor to write their own report. They can also question the IME doctor in court.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor, many IME reports favor the insurance company. That’s why having a good lawyer matters.
Final Thoughts
An IME is a normal part of most injury claims, but it’s not on your side. The insurance company uses these exams to find ways to pay you less. Know your rights and prepare well.
If you get a notice for an IME, talk to an experienced Denver personal injury lawyer right away. They can help you get ready, protect your claim, and fight any unfair reports. Don’t face this alone—your future depends on it.
Need help with your injury case? Contact CO Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation. We stand up for injured people, not insurance companies.