Independent Medical Exam (IME)

an examination performed on a Claimant by a doctor chosen and paid for by the injured workers’ employer and/or workers’ compensation insurance carrier.  Usually these examinations are used to determine whether or not the Claimant is still disabled from his/her work injury.  Typically, they are brief (often lasting less than 30 minutes).  IME’s are independent evaluations used to determine the status of the Claimant’s work-related medical condition and not for treatment.