Preparing for an Independent Medical Examination (IME)
*This is the 9th post in our series, The Life of a Personal Injury Case…. From accident to settlement or trial.
If you’re involved in a personal injury claim, you may be required to attend one or more Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs). These assessments are a routine part of the legal process and are often necessary to obtain expert medical opinions for trial. IMEs may be arranged by your lawyer or by the insurance company. In this post, we explain what IMEs are, why they happen, and how you can prepare.
What is an IME?
An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a medical assessment conducted by a physician with expertise in the type of injury or condition you’re experiencing. The goal is to provide an impartial, court-admissible medical opinion.
An IME may be arranged by:
Your lawyer – to support your claim by documenting your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment needs.
The defence lawyer or insurance company – to challenge or verify your injuries and assess the reasonableness of your treatment.
Your accident benefits, long-term disability (LTD), or other insurer – to determine whether you still meet the criteria to receive benefits or whether specific treatments should be funded.
In all cases, the examining doctor is not your treating physician and is not there to provide care. Their role is to objectively assess your medical condition and provide a report for use in your legal or insurance matter.
Preparing for an IME – Before the Appointment
Getting ready for an Independent Medical Examination (IME) in advance can help you feel more confident and ensure the assessment goes smoothly. Here are some practical tips to prepare:
1) Be ready to talk about your symptoms and limitations. Think about how your injury affects your daily life, including work or school, household tasks, caring for children, exercise, social life, and hobbies. Reflect on when your symptoms began, how they’ve changed over time, and how consistent they are. Be prepared to discuss both current and past medications (a written list can be helpful).
2) Expect to fill out paperwork - You’ll likely be asked to fill out paperwork about your medical history and current symptoms. This may be sent to you in advance or completed when you arrive at the appointment.
3) Plan ahead for transportation - These assessments can be physically and emotionally draining. Make sure you have a plan to get there on time and home safely afterward. If you’re unsure whether you’ll be well enough to drive home, arrange for someone to pick you up. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you’re late, the assessment may need to be rescheduled, and you could be charged a cancellation fee.
4) Dress comfortably - If the assessment involves a physical exam, wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes. You may want to bring a t-shirt and shorts to change into, depending on the nature of the appointment.
5) Arrange childcare in advance - IME facilities typically don’t allow children in the exam room, and there’s no childcare or supervision available on-site. Please make alternate arrangements for the time of your appointment.
6) Length of the Assessment - The length of the assessment can vary widely. Some last an hour while others take several hours. Try to keep your schedule flexible on the day of the exam.
7) Don’t expect to bring someone into the appointment - Unless it has been pre-approved or the doctor specifically requests it, support persons (including spouses, family, or friends) are usually not allowed in the examination room. They will need to wait in the waiting area.
During the Appointment
1) Cooperate - When you get into the exam room with the doctor, all you need to do is cooperate and be respectful. Be pleasant with the doctor. Be polite with the doctor, answer their questions honestly, and give your best effort during any physical tests, even if you know it may leave you feeling worse afterward. The doctor can only assess what they observe during the appointment, so it's important to demonstrate your limitations clearly and sincerely. Remember, a good impression matters. If you come across as guarded, dismissive, or hostile, it may affect how your condition is perceived. Approach the assessment as an opportunity to show the impact your injuries have on your daily life.
2) Push yourself to complete the assessment and examination – Do your best to complete the assessment and demonstrate that you’re genuinely trying. This shows the doctor you’re taking the exam seriously. However, don’t push yourself to the point of injury. If something causes pain during the assessment, let the doctor know right away. Be specific. Describe where the pain is, when it starts, and how intense it feels. Accurately reporting your symptoms helps ensure the doctor has a clear and honest picture of your condition.
3) Don’t Bring Documents Unless Advised - Unless your lawyer has specifically told you to, do not bring any notes, medical records, or documents to the IME. The doctor’s assessment should be based on the records your lawyer has already provided and the information you share during the examination. Bringing additional paperwork without discussing it first can be confusing or even unhelpful. The only exception is a list of your current and past medications. If you’re worried you won’t remember them all, it’s perfectly fine to bring a written list of medications.
4) Stay Calm and Cooperative - It’s important to remain calm and cooperative throughout the assessment. Avoid becoming defensive or argumentative, even if the doctor’s questions seem repetitive or unrelated. Refrain from asking things like, “Why do you need to know that?” or “Why is that relevant?” Just answer questions honestly and respectfully. Maintaining a professional and courteous attitude helps ensure the assessment stays focused and productive.
5) Don’t Record the Appointment Without Permission - Never secretly record your IME, especially if you are involved in a legal claim. In many jurisdictions, this would be considered unethical or even illegal.
After the IME
Once your IME is complete, let your lawyer know how the appointment went. What were your general impressions? If the doctor shared any thoughts, conclusions, or recommendations with you, it's helpful to write them down and send your notes directly to your lawyer's office. This keeps the information protected by legal privilege. If you share your notes with anyone else - even family or friends - they could become part of the official disclosure process.
Remember, there's no way to "pass" or "fail" an IME. The doctor's report is out of your hands. What you can control is your preparation, your attitude, and how you present yourself during the examination.
A positive IME experience means:
The doctor was able to complete the assessment.
They gained an accurate understanding of your injuries, symptoms, and limitations.
You came across as honest, cooperative, and credible.
After the exam, your job is done. Now it's time to wait for the doctor's report, which will be sent to your lawyer. You'll have a chance to review it once it arrives.
If you're unsure about anything before or after your IME, don't hesitate to reach out to your lawyer for guidance.
Concluding Remarks
IMEs are often a necessary part of preparing for trial, and they can also help clarify important questions about your injuries. In some cases, the results of an IME may even help move settlement negotiations forward. If you have questions about IMEs or any other step in the personal injury process, don’t hesitate to contact Carter Simpson. Knowing your options is an important part of making informed decisions about your case. Understanding your options is key to making informed decisions about your case.
Carter Simpson provides this article for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Please consult our firm to discuss your specific circumstances before taking any action based on this content. We disclaim all liability for actions taken based on this material.