Glossary
Independent medical examination
An assessment by a doctor who is not treating the injured person, arranged to give an impartial opinion on an injury or claim.
Also called: IME · independent medical assessment
Definition
An independent medical examination (IME) is an assessment by a qualified medical practitioner who has had no part in treating the injured person. In the NSW workers compensation and CTP schemes, an insurer, employer or the worker's legal representative may arrange one to get an impartial opinion on matters such as diagnosis, capacity for work, permanent impairment, or whether treatment is reasonably necessary. The examiner reviews records, examines the person and writes a report. The report informs decisions but does not replace the nominated treating doctor's ongoing role in the claim.
In practice
An IME is often requested when there is a difference of view about a worker's capacity or the need for continued treatment. Nexus does not conduct or interpret the examination; where a workplace rehabilitation plan is running, we help coordinate scheduling around it and make sure return-to-work planning reflects the capacity the treating doctor certifies. Any medical opinion stays with the doctors involved.