Independent medical examination
Sometimes we need extra information to make the right decision about your claim. When this happens, we may ask you to attend an independent medical examination (IME). This helps us better understand your injury or illness and the support you may need.
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What’s an IME?
Download our independent medical examination factsheet (PDF, 0.05 MB).
Why we may ask you to attend
We’ll arrange an IME when we need more information to guide decisions about your claim.
This can include helping us:
- decide if we should accept your claim
- understand your injury and possible treatment options
- determine whether we should fund surgery or other requested treatment
- identify what work you can do safely while you recover
- understand whether your claim should continue or if it may need to close.
If you’re ever unsure why we’ve arranged the appointment, please ask us. We’re here to help.
Who the doctor is
The IME doctor will be a qualified medical practitioner with expertise relevant to your injury or illness.
Their role is to give us an impartial medical opinion to support your claim – they can’t make decisions about your claim.
IME doctors work independently in their own private practice and aren’t employed by us.
What to bring
To help the doctor prepare, please bring:
- a valid photo ID (such as your driver’s licence or passport)
- any scans, X-rays or medical reports you already have
- a list of your current medications
- a list of doctors or health providers you’ve seen for this injury or illness.
We’ll give the doctor any relevant information we have before your appointment.
The doctor might contact you if they need anything else, such as a form to complete before you go.
You’re welcome to bring someone with you for support. The doctor will decide if they can join you during the examination.
What to wear
If you have a physical injury, the doctor may need to examine the affected area. Wear undergarments and loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily removed.
What to expect during the examination
The doctor may ask you questions about:
- your injury or illness
- how it happened
- the treatment you’ve received
- how it affects your daily life.
It’s important to be open and honest so the doctor can understand the full picture.
The doctor can’t give you advice or recommend treatment, so it might feel different from seeing your usual doctor.
How long it will take
The length of the examination depends on your injury.
Some appointments may be very short, with only a few questions.
Others may take longer if the doctor needs more detail to understand your condition.
After the examination
The doctor will send us a report, usually within two weeks. They might also refer you for more scans or tests.
Sometimes we’ll share the report with your regular doctor so they can help make decisions about your treatment.
If you’d like a copy of the report, you can ask us at any time.
Have questions?
We’re here to support you. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns about your IME or your claim.
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