The disability insurer must give you reasonable notice of the time, place, and name of the IME examiner as well as the scope of the evaluation. The insurer or other responsible party must reimburse the examining clinician for the evaluation report.

You are required to provide copies of all medical office treatment notes, lab reports, consultations etc. from each clinician who has examined or treated you for the impairment you are now claiming. In addition, most disability companies will also ask you for a signed authorization so that other information may be obtained before your IME date. I realize this may seem as though your privacy is being invaded, but patient/doctor privilege with respect to the condition causing you to stop working is generally considered to be waived at the time you make application for disability compensation.

The IME clinician may be subpoenaed to give testimony under oath during a deposition, and may be cross-examined at trial if your claim is litigated at a later date. Therefore, it is extremely important to be prepared for the IME and understand the objectives of the examiner.

 A disability “Independent Medical Evaluation” is an examination by a clinician chosen by your disability insurer for the purpose of providing credible written medical documentation which can be used by the disability insurer at any time to support a termination of benefits. IME’s are intended to “clarify” very complex medical restrictions and limitations. Remember the IME clinician is not examining you to give you medical advice, so he/she will not be able to answer questions you may have about your condition. He/she will not discuss treatment options with you, nor will he recommend appropriate treatment for your impairment. An IME physician will generally give you an opportunity to explain what is really disabling you.

One of the most common IME is the Neuropsychological exam. A Neuropsychological exam uses scientifically validated tests to evaluate brain functions from simple motor performance to complex reasoning and problem solving. The results of these tests are then compared with normative standards. While CT scans, MRI’s, EEG’s and PET scans identify structural, physical, and metabolic conditions of the brain, the neuropsychological examination is the only way to formally assess brain function.

Most Neuropsychological evaluations include examination of the following: Attention and concentration, working memory, processing speed, overall intelligence, language skills, visual spatial skills, learning and memory, problem solving, abstract reasoning, judgment, mood and psychological functioning, response bias and motivation and effort.