An independent medical examination (IME) is a medical exam that an insurance company or the defense requests to evaluate your injuries. Despite the name, the other side chooses and pays the doctor, not your own physician. Insurers often use an IME to dispute how badly the accident hurt you.
What is an Independent Medical Examination?
An independent medical examination, or IME, is a one-time medical exam that evaluates your injuries. The insurance company or the defense sets it up, so the name may be misleading.
The doctor who performs the IME does not work for you; instead, the insurance company chooses that doctor and pays them. The Alabama Department of Labor describes an IME as an exam “of the claimant’s physical condition and/or bodily functions performed by a non-treating physician with written report of findings.”
You must understand that the IME doctor examines you, not treats you. Their job is to write a report about your condition. Then, the insurance company uses their report to decide how much to pay, or whether to pay at all.
Basically, an IME isn’t about your health; it’s a defense medical exam.
Why Insurance Companies or the Defense Request an IME
Insurance companies request an IME for only one reason: to find a way to pay you less. An IME gives the insurance company a second opinion that may dispute your treating doctor. Insurers often use an IME to:
- Choose doctors known for siding with insurance companies
- Argue your injuries come from a pre-existing condition
- Claim your treatment is unnecessary or that you have healed
- Share only some of your records with the IME doctor
When You May Need an IME
You may face an IME after a car accident or a workplace injury, especially in a workers’ compensation claim. An IME usually happens later in the process, once the insurer starts questioning your injuries. Our guide to the car accident lawsuit timeline shows where it fits.
An IME is not a neutral check-up. Treat it as part of the other side’s case, and take it seriously.
What Happens During an IME?
Knowing what to expect can make an IME less stressful. Most follow a similar pattern, including notice, history, physical exam, and a final report.
Notice
You receive a letter naming the doctor and the reason for the exam.
History
The doctor asks about your injury, symptoms, and overall health.
Physical Exam
The doctor checks your injury, movement, and strength, and may order tests.
Report
The doctor sends a written report to the insurance company.
An IME is often quicker than a normal doctor’s visit. But don’t be fooled. The doctor watches you the entire time, noting how you sit, stand, and move. Answer honestly, but understand that every action may end up in a report the insurer uses against your claim.
How to Prepare for an Independent Medical Exam
Good preparation protects your claim. While you can’t control the doctor’s report, you can control how you appear. Follow these tips to prepare:
- Tell the truth, and stay consistent with what you told your own doctors.
- Describe your pain and limits honestly.
- Arrive on time, and answer questions directly without volunteering extra details.
- Record what happened afterward, including what the doctor asked and what tests they ran.
In a lawsuit, a court can order an exam under rules like Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 35. Depending on your state and case, your attorney may attend the exam or send someone to record it. Always tell your lawyer before and after an IME.
An attorney can prepare you, challenge a biased report, and protect your rights. In Alabama, you generally must file an injury claim within two years under Ala. Code § 6-2-38.
Common Questions About Independent Medical Examinations
What is an independent medical examination?
In a claim, an insurance company or the defense requests an independent medical examination to evaluate an injury claim. Despite the name, the other side chooses and pays the doctor, not your treating physician. The doctor examines you and writes a report about your condition, which the insurer then uses to decide your claim.
Is an IME doctor really independent?
No, an IME doctor is not necessarily independent. The insurance company or defense selects and pays the IME doctor. IME doctors often produce reports that favor the insurer, such as minimizing your injuries, or blaming a pre-existing condition. That is why preparation and legal guidance matter.
Do I have to attend an independent medical examination (IME)?
Often, yes, you must attend an independent medical examination. If you filed a workers’ compensation claim, you may be required to attend an independent medical examination (IME). A court can order one under rules like Rule 35.
Refusing without a valid reason may hurt your claim or benefits. However, your rights vary by state and case, so ask your attorney before you agree to or refuse an exam.
Can my attorney come to my IME?
Sometimes. Depending on your state and the type of case, your attorney may attend your IME or send someone to observe or record it. Having a witness can discourage improper questioning and create a record of what happened. The rules differ by state. Ask your attorney what is allowed before the exam.
What happens if the IME report goes against me?
A negative IME report can hurt your claim, but it does not end it. Your attorney can challenge the report by showing the doctor’s bias, pointing to missing records, or questioning their methods. Your treating doctor’s opinion still counts, and your lawyer may bring in an independent expert. One report does not automatically decide your case.
Trust Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Today
Insurance companies use IMEs to chip away at your claim, but you do not have to face one alone. We prepare our clients, challenge biased reports, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free case review today.
Reviewed by Alexander Shunnarah, Attorney and Chief Executive Officer at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, on 2026-09-17.
