What Do IME Doctors Look For?

Getting scheduled for an Independent Medical Examination can make you a little nervous. 

You might start wondering what the doctor will ask, what they’ll notice, and if you need to prepare for anything special. It’s totally normal to have questions.

An IME isn’t quite like a regular doctor’s appointment. The doctor is usually there to evaluate your condition and provide an independent medical opinion for a claim or legal matter. 

That means they’ll be paying attention to more than just your diagnosis.

In this post, we’ll go over what IME doctors are looking for.

#1 Your Medical History

First things first, the IME doctor will want to understand your medical background. This gives them some context before they start the physical examination.

They may ask about how your injury or condition happened, when your symptoms began, and how things have changed since then. 

They may also review:

• Previous injuries
• Surgeries
• Medical conditions
• Medications
• Treatments

Your medical records can be a big part of this process. The doctor may already have records before you walk into the appointment. They may ask you questions based on those records to clarify certain details.

Stick to the facts. If you don’t remember an exact date or detail, it’s perfectly fine to say so.

Also Read: IME Doctor Agrees With My Doctor

#2 Your Reported Symptoms

Next comes what you’re actually experiencing.

The doctor may ask about pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness, tingling, fatigue, or other symptoms related to your condition. They’ll often want to know when symptoms appear and what activities make them better or worse.

You may also be asked how your symptoms affect normal activities. 

Can you sit for a long time? Walk comfortably? Lift things? Sleep through the night? Drive? Do household tasks?

Try to describe your symptoms properly. For example, saying, “My back starts hurting after I stand for about 20 minutes” is more useful than simply saying, “My back hurts.”

#3 Physical Examination Findings

The physical exam is another major part of an IME.

The exact tests depend on your condition. A doctor evaluating a shoulder injury will look at different things from a doctor evaluating a knee, back, or neurological condition.

You may be asked to move certain parts of your body, walk, bend, lift, push, pull, or perform other simple movements. The doctor may check your strength, reflexes, sensation, balance, coordination, and range of motion.

The doctor is documenting what they observe. 

So don’t feel like you need to perform for them.

Just move naturally and follow the instructions. If something hurts, let the doctor know.

#4 Consistency Between Your Symptoms and Findings

This is an important part of an IME.

The doctor may compare what you report with what they find during the examination. 

They may also compare your answers with your medical records, imaging results, previous examinations, and treatment history.

For example, you might report difficulty moving your shoulder. The doctor may then check the shoulder’s range of motion and strength.

Also Read: Tricky Deposition Questions

A difference between your reported symptoms and an examination finding doesn’t automatically mean you’ve done something wrong. Symptoms can change. Pain can come and go. Some conditions are also difficult to measure with a simple physical test.

The doctor is trying to put all the available information together and form a medical opinion.

#5 Your Functional Limitations

Your diagnosis is only part of the picture. The doctor may also want to know what you can actually do.

You may be asked about everyday activities and physical tasks. The doctor could ask about sitting, standing, walking, lifting, bending, reaching, climbing stairs, or other movements.

Your usual routine can provide helpful context. Maybe you can walk around the house but struggle to walk several blocks. Maybe you can lift a light object but cannot safely handle something heavier.

Be specific. Describe your normal abilities rather than guessing what the doctor wants to hear.

#6 Treatment And Recovery

IME doctors also look for your treatment history.

This can include:

• Doctor visits
• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Surgery
• Injections
• Diagnostic testing
• Other treatments

The doctor may want to know what helped, what didn’t, and how your symptoms have changed over time. 

They may also consider your current condition and the likely course of recovery.

Keep in mind that an IME doctor generally isn’t there to provide ongoing treatment. They usually evaluate your condition and answer the medical questions they were asked to address. 

So if you have questions about treatment, your regular treating doctor may be the better person to ask.

Also Read: What Do You Do If You Crash At 20 MPH?

#7 Ability To Work

For many IMEs, work capacity is a major issue.

The doctor may be asked to give an opinion about your ability to perform your job. 

They may look at the physical or mental demands of the work involved and compare those demands with your medical limitations.

For example, a job might require frequent lifting, prolonged standing, repetitive hand movements, or extended sitting. The doctor may consider how your condition affects those activities.

The final report can address work restrictions or limitations, depending on the purpose of the examination and the questions the doctor has been asked to answer.

Do IME Doctors Look For Exaggeration?

Yes, an IME doctor may pay attention to inconsistencies between what you report and what they observe. They may also compare your statements with your medical records and previous findings.

That doesn’t mean the doctor walks into the room assuming you’re exaggerating though.

So don’t exaggerate your limitations. At the same time, don’t downplay them because you feel uncomfortable talking about your symptoms.

What Records Do IME Doctors Review?

The doctor may review a range of information before preparing the IME report.

This can include:

• Medical records from treating providers
• Diagnostic imaging
• Laboratory or other test results
• Surgical reports
• Physical therapy notes
• Medication records
• Previous medical evaluations

In a work-related claim, the doctor may also receive information about your job duties.

You may notice that the doctor already knows quite a bit about your case. That’s normal. Their review of the records helps them understand the bigger picture and ask more focused questions during the appointment.

Bottom Line

IME doctors look at your medical history, reported symptoms, physical findings, functional abilities, treatment history, recovery, and work capacity. They may also look closely at how all those pieces fit together.

You don’t need to prepare a perfect speech or try to guess what the doctor wants to hear. 

Be honest. Be clear. Describe your symptoms and limitations as accurately as you can.

Most importantly, remember that the doctor is there to gather information and provide a medical opinion based on the examination and available records.