Service Overview
Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)
What is an Independent Medical Examination (IME)
Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) are objective neuropsychological and psychological evaluations requested when clarification is needed regarding diagnosis, treatment progress, and functional capacity. These evaluations are conducted independently and are not part of an ongoing treatment relationship. Agencies, employers, attorneys, and insurers request neuropsychological and psychological IMEs to assess the individual’s capacity for functioning.
Neuropsychological and psychological IMEs are structured to address specific referral questions and are conducted using established professional guidelines and evidence-based evaluation methods.
What Is a Neuropsychological / Psychological Independent Medical Examination?
A neuropsychological or psychological Independent Medical Examination is an evaluation performed by a psychologist who is not involved in treatment and who provides an independent professional opinion based on review of available records, clinical interview findings, and psychological / neuropsychological assessment tools as deemed appropriate based on the referral question.
Unlike therapy or consultation services, an IME is focused on answering clearly defined referral questions. These questions often relate to diagnosis, functional capacity, treatment needs, or the relationship between psychological or cognitive symptoms and workplace events or injuries.
When IMEs Are Requested for Neuropsychology or Psychology
Independent Medical Examinations may be requested in a variety of situations. Common examples include:
• clarification of psychological injury claims
• workers’ compensation evaluations
• questions regarding return-to-work readiness
• review of treatment progress or treatment needs
• situations involving differing clinical opinions
• disability determination support
• administrative or legal proceedings
• evaluation following exposure to workplace critical incidents
Each evaluation is structured to address the specific referral questions identified by the requesting agency, employer, insurer, or legal representative.
Discuss your referral questions with Dr. Steele to determine whether a psychological Independent Medical Examination is the right next step
Independent Role of the Evaluator
An important feature of the neuropsychological or psychological IME process is the independent role of the evaluator.
The examining psychologist does not provide treatment and does not function as an advocate for either the examinee or the referring party. Instead, the evaluation is conducted to provide an objective professional opinion based on available information, standardized assessment methods when appropriate, and a structured clinical interview.
Maintaining this independent role helps ensure that conclusions are objectively based on clinical findings rather than treatment relationships or administrative interests.
What the IME Process Typically Includes
Although each referral is unique, a neuropsychological or psychological Independent Medical Examination generally includes:
• clarification of referral questions
• review of relevant medical and employment records
• structured clinical interview
• psychological testing when appropriate
• assessment of functional capacity
• diagnostic clarification when indicated
• written report addressing referral questions
The scope of the evaluation depends on the purpose of the referral and the information requested by the referring party.
Neuropsychological and Psychological Assessment in IMEs
Neuropsychological and psychological assessment is typically included as part of the evaluation as this process works in conjunction with other clinical data, such as medical records and clinical interview, in answering referral questions. The types of testing used depends on the nature of the referral, the available background information, and the clinical issues being evaluated.
When testing is used, standardized psychological and neuropsychological assessment instruments are selected based on their relevance to the evaluation and consistency with established professional guidelines.
Testing results are interpreted in conjunction with clinical interview findings and available records.
Public Safety Independent Medical Examinations
Independent Medical Examinations involving law enforcement and other public safety personnel require familiarity with the essential functions of safety-sensitive positions and the professional standards used in evaluating psychological functioning in those roles.
Neuropsychological and psychological IMEs for public safety personnel are conducted with attention to occupational demands, exposure to critical incidents, and the expectations associated with positions that involve public trust and safety responsibilities.
Evaluations are performed in a manner consistent with professional guidelines commonly applied in public safety psychological practice.
IME Reports Address Referral Questions Clearly
Psychological IME reports are structured to respond directly to the referral questions identified by the requesting party.
Depending on the purpose of the evaluation, reports may address:
• diagnostic considerations
• functional capacity and restrictions/limitations
• treatment considerations
• consistency between reported symptoms, assessment results, and available records
• return-to-work readiness if applicable
• other issues identified in the referral request
Reports are written to provide clear and relevant clinical information that supports informed decision-making.
Consultation Prior to Referral
Consultation is available prior to scheduling an Independent Medical Examination to help determine whether an IME is the most appropriate type of evaluation for the situation.
In some cases, a fitness-for-duty evaluation or another form of psychological assessment may better address the referral questions. Clarifying the purpose of the evaluation in advance helps ensure that the requested service matches the needs of the referring agency, employer, insurer, or legal representative.
Bring clarity and objectivity to complex psychological evaluation questions.
Agencies, employers, attorneys, and insurers seeking a psychological Independent Medical Examination may contact Dr. Steele to discuss referral questions and scheduling availability.