Independent Medical Examination

What is an Independent Medical Examination?

An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is an examination carried out by a doctor who is not normally involved with the individual patient’s care. This typically occurs after a workplace injury, in which the injury may require a second opinion to see if the individual may require compensation.

An IME is often requested by an employer to their employee or an insurance company to a policyholder. The doctor that carries out the IME is appointed by the employer or insurer to determine the extent of a person’s injuries or disabilities. IME’s are regular parts of workers’ compensation processes and general personal injury or disability claims. In the case of workers’ compensation, the report following an IME directly relates to the level of compensation a workers may receive.

IMEs are meant to be impartial. However, they are widely believed to be biased. Because IME doctors are usually referred to and paid by an employer or insurance company, it is often believed that they have an incentive to limit compensation. In addition, because the examinations are not carried out by a individual’s regular doctor, there is a concern as to how well an IME can provide them proper recommendations even if they are not biased.

More information about Independent Medical Examination

Personal Injury Glossary Terms

This glossary provides a quick-access resource for looking up definitions of terms you will likely encounter while seeking compensation.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W

A

Accident Report — A detailed official record of an incident created on-site by an authority figure such as a police officer or hospital staff member.

Act of God — An unforeseen event caused by natural forces without human involvement that couldn’t have been prevented with reasonable care, […]

Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation FAQs

Our Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Lawyer will Fight for Your Rights

It is your right as an employee to file a workers’ comp claim and to have your medical expenses and wages paid while you recover from the injury or illness. The experienced Pittsburgh workers’ compensation lawyers at Munley Law can help you navigate the process, inform you of your rights, and help you work through any obstacles that come up.

A Pittsburgh workers’ compensation attorney at Munley Law can help you file your claim, prepare for and attend workers’ comp hearings, and appeal denials if necessary. If you or a loved one has been hurt at work or has become sick from workplace conditions in Pittsburgh, you need to know that you have rights.