Independent Medical Examination (IME)

IME

An Expert Medical Opinion, Independent of All Parties

An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a formal medico-legal assessment conducted by an accredited specialist who has no treating relationship with the claimant. The specialist provides an objective, evidence-based opinion on the claimant's injuries or medical condition.

VERIFY manages every aspect of the IME process, from specialist selection and appointment scheduling through to report delivery and quality assurance, so your matter progresses without delay.

Injury Stability & Permanence

Assessment of whether the injury is stable, stationary, or likely to improve, and the degree of any permanent impairment.

Work Capacity & Functional Impact

Expert opinion on how the injury affects the claimant's ability to work and carry out daily activities.

Causation & Treatment Needs

Impartial opinion on the cause of the injury and any recommended treatment, rehabilitation, or further investigation.

IMEs Across All Major Claim Types

VERIFY provides independent medical examinations across a broad range of personal injury, occupational, and disability claim categories.

Motor Vehicle Accident / Compulsory Third-Party Insurance

Independent medical examinations for injuries arising from motor vehicle accidents under Queensland’s CTP scheme, assessing diagnosis, causation, impairment, functional impact, treatment needs, and prognosis.

Workers' Compensation

Independent medical assessments for work-related injuries and illnesses, including diagnosis, causation, permanent impairment, treatment needs, work capacity, and return-to-work considerations.

Public Liability

Independent medical opinions for injuries arising from incidents on public or private premises, addressing the nature and extent of injury, causation, impairment, functional impact, treatment needs, and prognosis to assist with the assessment of damages.

Historical or Institutional Abuse

Sensitive psychiatric and psychological assessments for claims involving historical or institutional abuse, addressing the nature and impact of psychological injury, causation, functional impairment, and prognosis.

Dust Diseases

Independent medical assessments for occupational and environmental dust-related diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, silicosis, and other work-related respiratory conditions. Assessments may address diagnosis, causation, impairment, functional capacity, treatment needs, and prognosis.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Functional capacity and medical assessments that provide evidence about how a person's disability or impairment affects their daily activities, employment, and community participation.

Total & Permanent Disability (TPD)

Expert medical opinions on whether a claimant meets the TPD definition in their life or income protection policy, based on their occupation and functional capacity.

Medical Negligence

Independent medical opinions in medical negligence matters, addressing issues such as diagnosis, treatment, standard of care, causation, injury, and prognosis.

Fitness for Work Assessment

Independent assessments of a worker’s medical condition and functional capacity in relation to specific work duties, tasks, or hours. These assessments can assist employers, insurers, and legal representatives with decisions around work capacity, workplace restrictions, and return to work.

Four Ways to Attend Your IME

VERIFY offers flexible assessment formats to accommodate varying clinical needs, geographic constraints, and personal circumstances, while always maintaining the integrity of the examination.

In-Person Assessment

An independent medico-legal examination conducted at the specialist's consulting rooms. The specialist provides an impartial medical opinion on the claimant's injuries or condition, evaluating stability, permanence, and impact on work capacity.

What's Included
Face-to-Face Examination

Direct physical examination conducted by the specialist at our VERIFY office, their consulting rooms, or a designated venue.

Full Clinical Assessment

Comprehensive review of the claimant's medical history, current condition, and all relevant documentation.

All Specialties

Available across all medical specialties on the VERIFY panel.

Videolink Assessment

Available where the claimant is unable to attend the specialist's rooms in person. The examination is conducted remotely via secure videolink, allowing the specialist to provide a full clinical opinion without requiring physical attendance.

What's Included
Remote Examination

The specialist conducts the examination by secure videolink, so the claimant does not need to attend the specialist's rooms.

Pre-Assessment Videolink Test

A videolink test is arranged before the appointment to confirm that claimant's device, camera, microphone, and internet connection are working.

Clinical Opinion

An opinion on the claimant's injuries or condition, based on the videolink consultation and the relevant documentation.

Surrogate Assessment

Where in-person attendance is not feasible but a physical examination is clinically necessary, a trained allied health professional conducts the examination locally under real-time specialist direction via videolink, maintaining clinical rigour while expanding access for regional claimants.

What's Included
Local Examiner

An allied health professional (typically a physiotherapist) conducts the physical examination locally on your behalf.

Real-Time Direction

The specialist guides the physical examination remotely via videolink in real time.

Specialty Availability

Available for IMEs with Orthopaedic Surgeons and Occupational Therapists only.

Home Visit Assessment

Assessing the claimant in their own home or care facility enables a comprehensive evaluation of their current condition, daily challenges, functional capacity, and living environment, allowing for more thorough recommendations regarding home modifications and ongoing support needs.

What's Included
At Home or in Care

Conducted at the claimant's own home or care facility for a familiar, comfortable environment.

Holistic Assessment

Detailed evaluation of condition, functional capacity, daily challenges, and goals within the actual living environment.

Availability & Requirements

Available for IMEs with Occupational Therapists only; suitable environment required for assessment.

Whether You Are a Client or a Claimant

We have outlined the IME process from two perspectives: one for the legal and insurance professionals who refer matters, and one for the claimants attending the examination.

For Clients

How the IME Process Works for Clients

A step-by-step guide to referring a matter, managing the process, and receiving your report through VERIFY.

1
Submit Your ReferralLodge your referral via VERIFY's booking portal with the claimant's details and any relevant documentation.
2
Specialist AllocationYou can choose your preferred specialist, or if you need assistance, VERIFY can help match your matter to an appropriate accredited specialist based on claim type, specialty, and availability.
3
Appointment CoordinationVERIFY manages all scheduling, claimant communication, and any administrative requirements.
4
QA Review & Report DeliveryThe finalised report passes through VERIFY's Quality Assurance review before being released to you.
View Client Process
For Claimants

What to Expect at Your IME appointment

Understand what to expect at your examination and how to prepare for a smooth process.

1
You'll Receive an Appointment LetterVERIFY will send you a confirmation letter with the date, time, location, and specialist's details.
2
Bring Relevant DocumentationComplete the Informed Consent form and Claimant Questionnaire (if applicable), sent to you with your confirmation letter, prior to your appointment. Please also bring any medical records, imaging, or correspondence relevant to your injury that you have in your possession.
3
Your IME AppointmentThe specialist will review your history, ask questions about your injury and its impact, and may conduct a physical examination.
4
After Your AppointmentThe specialist prepares a report for the referring party. VERIFY does not share the report directly with claimants.
View Claimant Guide

Ready to Refer Your Next Matter to VERIFY?

Whether you have a specific referral or need guidance on the most suitable service, we are here to make the process simple, efficient, and responsive from the very start.

View Specialist Panel