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Independent Medical Exams (IME's) are evaluations of an individual by a physician who is a third party not involved in the care of the patient. This gives an attorney or insurance company an opinion of the etiology and nature of a patient's complaints by a physician that is not treating the patient. The exam is comprised of a review of the patients medical record, the taking of additional history from the patient, and a physical examination. Additional information may be obtained with appropriate radiographs. A report summarizing the information is then sent to the entity that ordered the evaluation. A copy of the evaluation is not sent to the patient, who must obtain it from the individuals who ordered the exam. Since the physician is not part of the treatment team, they cannot give advice directly to the patient or take over the care of the patient after the visit. Transfer of care can be be accomplished only with another appointment where that individual is seen as a new patient. |
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