How Long Do Independent Medical Exams Take?

An Independent Medical Exam (IME) is a comprehensive medical evaluation conducted by a neutral and independent medical professional. Click here to get a quick refresher on the purpose of IMEs in the claims process. Insurers typically request it in cases where a claimant’s medical condition, treatment, or disability needs to be verified for causality or to resolve a dispute. In this article, we’ll explore the timeline and factors that can determine the length of the process for an IME.

The Independent Medical Exam Timeline

The IME process follows a structured timeline that varies depending on the complexity of the case and the scheduling availability of both the physician and claimant. Generally, the entire process can take anywhere from two to six weeks.

Step 1: Requesting the IME

• The IME process begins when an insurance company, employer, or attorney requests an evaluation. This request must outline:
• The medical questions to be addressed
• The type of specialist required (e.g., orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, pain management specialist)
• The necessary medical records for review
• The deadline for the report

The next step consists of the coordination leading up to the IME appointment.

Step 2: Scheduling the Examination (1-4 Weeks)

The scheduling phase depends on multiple factors:

• Physician Availability: Some IME specialists have busy schedules, leading to delays of two to four weeks. Patience is key here, especially since you want to ensure a reputable, unbiased physician who won’t cause issues in future litigation.
• Location: If a claimant must travel for the exam, additional coordination is required. Click here to read more about how Case Managers can help with this process.
• Claimant Cooperation: If the injured party reschedules or fails to attend, the process may be delayed.

For routine cases, the exam can typically be scheduled within one to three weeks. However, specialized cases may extend this timeline.

Step 3: Conducting the IME (30 Minutes – 2 Hours)

The examination itself is usually a 30-minute to two-hour process, depending on the complexity of the injury and the number of medical questions to be addressed. During the exam, the physician will:

• Review medical records
• Perform a physical examination
• Ask the claimant about their medical history and symptoms
• Assess functional abilities

Unlike a regular doctor’s visit, IME physicians do not provide treatment recommendations. Their role is strictly evaluative.

Causes of IME Delays

Several factors can push the IME timeline beyond the standard range, and although some of these are inevitable, being aware of them will prevent further delays:

• Physician scheduling backlogs: High-demand specialists can be known to extend scheduling timeframes.
• Incomplete medical records: If key documents are missing, the physician may need more time.
• Legal disputes: If the IME findings are contested, additional reviews or depositions may be required.

How to Expedite an Independent Medical Exam

When working with an Independent Medical Examination (IME) provider, choosing one with a large physician network can help speed up scheduling, making the process more efficient. To keep things moving smoothly, provide complete and well-organized medical records right from the start.

It’s also crucial to set clear deadlines with the IME physician and follow up on the status of the report. Be sure to emphasize the importance of attending the scheduled appointment to ensure full claimant compliance. From start to finish, an IME typically takes two to six weeks, though some more complex cases may take longer. The biggest delays often happen with scheduling, physician availability, and finalizing the report, which can be inevitable delays due to the nature of IMEs.

Time is critical in claims processing, and an efficient IME can mean the difference between a quick and easy resolution and prolonged disputes. So, while we can’t eliminate every delay, being strategic about the IME process ensures that your valuable time isn’t wasted.