If you have received a letter telling you to attend an independent medical assessment, it is completely normal to feel uncertain about what it means for your claim.
Most claimants walk in without knowing what the doctor is actually assessing, what ends up in the IME report, or how much weight that report carries when the insurer calculates its settlement offer. That information gap can cost you.
What Does an IME Mean?
An Independent Medical Examination (IME) — also called an independent medical assessment or IME assessment — is a formal medical appointment arranged by an insurer or WorkCover as part of your personal injury claim. It is not a visit to your regular doctor.
The purpose is not to treat your medical condition. Instead, the assessment produces a written IME report that gives an independent medical opinion on your injuries, which helps decide the amount of your compensation payout.
Key point: The IME doctor assesses your injuries for legal purposes only. They cannot provide treatment, prescribe medication, or advise you on your recovery.
If you know what happens at an independent medical assessment—before, during, and after—you can make a real difference in how you approach the appointment and, ultimately, in the outcome of your claim.
In this guide, we cover:
- What an independent medical assessment actually is
- Why insurers arrange them
- How to prepare before you attend
- What happens during the examination
- What the IME report contains and what happens next
- Your rights as a claimant
What Is an Independent Medical Assessment?
An independent medical assessment is a one-off specialist medical appointment arranged as part of a Queensland personal injury claim. The examining doctor is not your treating doctor and has no prior involvement in your care.
The IME doctor is typically a specialist — an orthopaedic surgeon, psychiatrist, neurologist, or other relevant specialist — chosen based on the nature of your injuries.
What the IME is designed to do
The examining specialist reviews your medical records, conducts a clinical interview, and usually performs a physical examination. Their findings are then compiled into a formal IME report, which addresses:
- Diagnosis — the nature and extent of your injuries
- Causation — whether your injuries were caused by the accident or incident in your claim
- Permanent impairment — whether your injuries have resulted in lasting impairment, expressed as a Whole Person Impairment (WPI) percentage or Injury Scale Value (ISV) under Queensland schemes
- Prognosis — your expected recovery trajectory and future medical needs
- Functional capacity — how your injuries affect your ability to work and carry out daily activities
Who arranges the IME?
In most Queensland personal injury claims, the IME is arranged by the insurer — whether that is the CTP insurer, WorkCover Queensland, or a public liability insurer. Your own personal injury lawyer can also arrange an independent medical assessment on your behalf to obtain a supportive medical opinion for your claim.
According to WorkCover Queensland, the IME doctor is not employed by WorkCover and will not make decisions about your claim. Their role is solely to provide an independent medical opinion.
Why Has the Insurer Arranged an IME Assessment?
Receiving an IME appointment notice does not mean the insurer doubts your claim. There are several routine reasons why an independent medical assessment is arranged.
Common reasons include:
- To assess whether your injuries are causally related to the accident or incident
- To determine whether your injuries have reached maximum medical improvement
- To assess the degree of permanent impairment for the purposes of calculating compensation
- To obtain a specialist opinion where your treating doctor’s findings are unclear or disputed
- To decide whether to fund a specific treatment, surgery, or rehabilitation program
- To clarify your capacity to return to work
The IME is a standard step in most Queensland personal injury claims — not a signal that your claim is in trouble.
What Happens During the IME Appointment
The appointment typically lasts between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the complexity of your injuries and the specialty of the examining doctor.
There are two main parts to the examination.
Part 1: The clinical interview
The interview is usually the longest part of the appointment. The IME doctor will ask you detailed questions about:
- The incident — when, where, and how it happened, and your immediate symptoms
- Your injuries — what you were diagnosed with and how your symptoms have changed over time
- Your treatment — all doctors, specialists, physiotherapists, and other providers you have seen
- Your current symptoms — pain levels, location, frequency, and what makes them better or worse
- Functional impact — activities you can no longer do, such as lifting, walking, household tasks, or work duties
- Your medical history — pre-existing conditions, previous injuries, and mental health history
Answer honestly and completely. The doctor is forming an opinion based on what you tell them, as well as your medical records. Inconsistencies between what you say and what is documented can affect the IME report and, in turn, your compensation claim.
Part 2: The physical examination
For physical injuries, the doctor will examine the relevant part of your body. This may include:
- Range of motion testing and strength assessments
- Palpation of the injured area
- Observation of your gait and movement
- Reflex and sensation testing for neurological issues
For psychological injuries, the examination may involve structured clinical interviews and standardised questionnaires for conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Note: The IME doctor may also observe how you move in the waiting room and throughout the appointment — not just during the formal examination. Be consistent in how you present your symptoms at all times.
One important thing to remember
- The IME doctor cannot give you medical advice, discuss your treatment options, or tell you the outcome of their assessment on the day.
- If you have questions about your health or treatment, raise them with your regular treating doctor.
The IME Report: What It Contains and What Happens Next
After the appointment, the examining specialist prepares a written medico-legal report. This is the document that matters most to your claim.
What the IME report covers
The IME report sets out the specialist’s findings on:
- Diagnosis — confirming or clarifying the nature of your injuries
- Causation — whether the incident caused or contributed to your injuries
- Permanent impairment — expressed as a percentage or rating under the applicable Queensland scheme
- Prognosis — expected recovery and any ongoing treatment needs
- Work capacity — whether you can return to your pre-injury duties, modified duties, or no duties at all
Reports vary significantly in length. A straightforward injury claim may produce a 10-page report. Complex multi-injury cases can run to 50 pages or more.
When will you receive the IME report?
The doctor typically delivers the report to the referring party (usually the insurer or WorkCover) within two weeks of the appointment, though complex cases can take four to eight weeks.
According to WorkCover Queensland, you can request a copy of the IME report. Your compensation lawyer can obtain a copy and discuss the findings with you, explaining how the report affects your compensation entitlements.
What if the IME report is unfavourable?
An unfavourable IME report does not end your claim. IME reports carry significant weight in settlement negotiations, but they do not automatically override the opinion of your treating doctors.
Your options if you disagree with the report include:
- Asking your solicitor or lawyer to get a responding report from your own treating specialist
- Requesting an IME arranged by your own legal team to provide a competing medical opinion
- Challenging specific findings in the report through the claims process
This is why having a personal injury lawyer involved before your IME appointment is so important — not after.
Your Rights at an Independent Medical Assessment
Many claimants attend an IME without knowing what they are and are not entitled to. You can protect your claim if you know your rights.
You have the right to:
- Receive reasonable written notice of the appointment, including the doctor’s name, qualifications, location, and the purpose of the assessment
- Bring a support person (a family member, friend, or support worker) to the appointment, though the doctor decides if they can be present during the physical examination
- Request an interpreter if you need language assistance — this must be arranged in advance
- Receive clear information about what documents to bring
- Request a copy of the IME report once it has been prepared
- Have your own lawyer review the report and advise you on its implications
You are obligated to:
- Attend the appointment as scheduled — non-attendance can breach your obligations under your CTP or WorkCover claim and may negatively affect your entitlements
- Answer questions honestly and participate fully in the examination
If you have concerns about the examining doctor, the questions being asked, or how the appointment was conducted, raise them with your personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the appointment.
Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer Before an Independent Medical Examination
The IME is one of the most consequential steps in your compensation claim. That’s because an IME report can influence your:
- Settlement amount
- Access to ongoing treatment funding
- Eligibility to pursue a common law damages claim.
At Splatt Lawyers, we advise clients on what to expect at their independent medical assessment, review IME reports as soon as they are available, and take action when a report doesn’t accurately reflect your injuries.
It is free to know where you stand. Call us on 1800 700 125 for a no-obligation consultation, or book a free appointment online.
Our advice is provided on a 100% no-win, no-fee basis. You pay nothing unless your claim is successful.
Frequently Asked Questions About IME Assessments
Is an independent medical assessment the same as an IME?
Yes. Independent medical assessment (IMA), independent medical examination (IME), medico-legal examination, and medico-legal appointment all refer to the same type of appointment.
The terminology can vary depending on the insurer and the type of claim.
Do I have to attend the IME?
- In most Queensland personal injury claims, attendance is a requirement of the claims process.
- Failing to attend without a valid reason can result in your claim being suspended or discontinued.
- If you cannot attend, contact the insurer or WorkCover immediately to explain and request a rescheduled date.
Can I record the IME appointment?
You could record an IME appointment depending on doctor’s policy. Some doctors permit audio recording; others do not.
Ask your lawyer before the appointment whether recording is appropriate in your circumstances.
Will the IME doctor be biased against me?
IME doctors must provide an independent, objective opinion. However, in reality, IME reports arranged by insurers sometimes favour the insurer’s position.
That’s why you should have your own lawyer review the report and, where necessary, obtain a responding report from your treating specialist.
Can my lawyer attend the IME with me?
- Lawyers do not typically attend IME appointments with clients.
- However, your lawyer should be briefed before the appointment and consulted immediately after.
- They can review the IME report and advise you on next steps.
What types of claims involve an IME assessment?
IME assessments are common in:
- CTP (compulsory third party) car accident claims
- WorkCover workers compensation claims
- Personal injury compensation claims
- Public liability claims
- Common law damages claims