Legal Definitions - independent medical examination

An independent medical examination (IME) is an assessment of a person's physical condition and health. It is conducted by a healthcare professional who is impartial, usually a physician. The purpose of an IME is to provide an objective evaluation of a person's medical condition, often for legal or insurance purposes.

• A person who was injured in a car accident may be required to undergo an IME to determine the extent of their injuries and the necessary treatment.
• An employee who is claiming workers' compensation benefits may be asked to undergo an IME to assess their ability to work and the extent of their injuries.

These examples illustrate how an IME can be used in different situations to provide an objective evaluation of a person's medical condition. In both cases, the IME is conducted by an impartial healthcare professional to determine the extent of the person's injuries and the necessary treatment or work restrictions.