What Is An Independent Medical Examination (IME)?

You’ve been doing everything right — you saw your doctor, followed your treatment plan, and you’re trying to heal. Then suddenly, your insurance company says you need to see their doctor for something called an Independent Medical Examination (IME). What’s this all about, and how might it impact your personal claim case?

What Does IME Mean?

An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a medical evaluation ordered by an insurance company after an injury claim, whether from a car accident, a workplace injury, or another personal injury case. The purpose is to verify your injuries and determine whether further treatment is necessary.

But here’s what most people don’t realize: IME doctors are not your treating physicians. They’re chosen by the insurer and often used to challenge your doctor’s opinion.

Under Florida Statute §627.736(7)(a), insurance companies can require you to attend an IME if your injuries are relevant to your claim for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.

What Is the Difference Between IME and CME?

You may also hear about a Compulsory Medical Exam (CME). In Florida, this term usually applies when the exam is ordered by the defense in a lawsuit rather than your own insurer. Both IMEs and CMEs are meant to evaluate your condition, but in practice, they’re tools insurance companies use to dispute your injury or limit your benefits.

Why Insurance Companies Request IMEs

Insurance companies don’t schedule IMEs for your benefit. They do it to confirm, or more often, to question the legitimacy of your claim. Common reasons include:

• To verify whether your injuries are truly accident-related.
• To argue that your pain or limitations are due to preexisting conditions.
• To justify stopping your PIP, disability, or workers’ compensation payments.
• To reduce the overall settlement value of your claim.

Sometimes, if the first IME doesn’t produce the result they want, insurers will even request a second IME in hopes of getting a more favorable opinion.

Independent Medical Examinations in Personal Injury Cases

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence in a car accident, at work, or in another incident, an IME can heavily influence the outcome of your personal injury claim case. These exams often determine:

• Whether your injuries are linked to the incident or considered “preexisting.”
• Whether you still need ongoing treatment or physical therapy.
• The overall financial value of your injury claim.

Your rights, your care, and your compensation are on the line. That’s why it’s critical to speak with your attorney before attending an IME.

Independent Medical Examination After a Car Accident

In a Florida car accident case, an IME can directly affect:

• Whether your ongoing medical bills remain covered under your PIP insurance,
• Whether you can continue therapy, surgery, or diagnostic tests, and
• How much your claim is ultimately worth.

During your IME, the examiner will ask how the crash happened, what symptoms you’ve experienced since, and how your injuries affect your daily life. They may perform a brief physical exam, review imaging, or assess your range of motion.

Be polite and truthful, but don’t minimize your pain or speculate. Stick to the facts and avoid small talk. Don’t sign any new paperwork unless your lawyer has reviewed it. You have the right to bring a witness, take notes afterward, and immediately contact your attorney if the doctor behaves unprofessionally or pressures you.

Independent Medical Examination for Workers’ Compensation

If your injury happened on the job, Florida’s workers’ compensation laws allow your employer’s insurance company to send you for an IME. These exams are used to determine:

• Whether your injury is truly work-related,
• Whether you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), and
• Whether you’re medically cleared to return to work.

This single report can have serious consequence. It can stop your medical care, end wage-replacement benefits, or close your case prematurely. Your attorney should be involved before and after the exam to make sure your rights are protected and to challenge any biased findings that could harm your recovery.

Can Your Own Insurance Company Request an IME?

Yes. An IME is meant to protect the interests of an insurance company. This means that your own insurance company may request you undergo an IME.

Remember that insurance representatives are not looking out for you, they are looking out for their company’s money. If your insurance company requests an IME, you need someone who is on your side. A Tampa personal injury attorney can guide you through the process and even supervise the IME.  

Can You Refuse an IME?

In Florida, refusing to attend an IME can result in your benefits being suspended or denied. That said, you do have options. Your attorney can object if the insurer assigns a clearly biased doctor, request a different specialist who’s more qualified for your condition, or ask that the exam be rescheduled or recorded to ensure fairness. The most important thing is to never ignore an IME notice. As soon as you receive one, contact your lawyer so they can guide you through the process and protect your rights.

What Happens if You Miss or Need to Reschedule an IME

Insurance companies are quick to label missed appointments as “no-shows,” even when you try to do the right thing. Calling only the IME scheduling company often isn’t enough; if you don’t also inform your insurance adjuster directly, they may still consider it a violation of your policy terms.

If you need to reschedule, confirm the change with both the IME company and your adjuster, and keep records such as emails or phone logs. Whenever possible, let your attorney handle the communication to avoid misunderstandings. And if you missed an appointment for a legitimate reason, such as illness, an emergency, or a family issue, your lawyer can help you challenge any unfair “no-show” designation and make sure your claim stays on track.

How to Prepare for Your IME

Preparation still matters. A few small steps can make a big difference:

1. Bring your photo ID and any relevant imaging or medical notes.
2. Review your medical history so you can answer questions clearly.
3. Dress comfortably — you may be asked to move or stretch.
4. Be honest, but don’t exaggerate or downplay your pain.
5. Avoid discussing fault or settlement details.
6. Take mental notes about how the exam was handled, how long it lasted, and anything unusual that occurred.

If anything about the exam feels off, call your attorney immediately afterward.

Is a Physical Exam Covered by Insurance?

Yes, the IME itself is paid for by the insurer requesting it. You shouldn’t receive a bill for the exam. However, your ongoing treatment through your personal physician will still be billed through your PIP coverage or your health insurance.

Remember, Florida’s 14-day rule requires you to seek medical treatment within 14 days of your accident to qualify for PIP benefits.

After the IME: What Comes Next

After the IME, the insurance company will receive the examiner’s report. Sometimes, they’ll use it to stop payments or deny future treatment. Your attorney can request a copy of that report, compare it with your treating doctor’s medical opinion, and challenge any biased or inaccurate statements. If necessary, they can also arrange for a second opinion or take legal action to dispute the IME results.

Why You Shouldn’t Face an IME Alone

Insurance doctors don’t work for you, they work for the company trying to save money. A single line in their report could be used to deny benefits or reduce your settlement. Our attorneys:

• Review and verify all IME requests,
• Prepare you for what to expect during the exam,
• Step in if the insurer acts in bad faith, and
• Challenge biased or inaccurate IME reports to protect your recovery.

If you’ve received an IME notice, or if your insurer has reduced or denied benefits after one, don’t walk into that exam alone.

Our attorneys in  West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Fort Myers, Port St. Lucie ,and across Florida can review your case, communicate with the insurer on your behalf, and make sure your rights are protected from the start. Call us or contact us online for a free consultation before your exam.