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Understanding Independent Medical Evaluation

IMEs in Motor Vehicle Accident Cases: A Patient's Step-by-Step Guide


An auto accident or a motor vehicle accident (MVA) can be a profoundly disruptive event, not just physically and emotionally, but also in terms of navigating the complex legal and insurance landscape that follows. Among the various procedures an injured individual might encounter, the Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) stands out as a critical, yet often misunderstood, step in the journey toward recovery and potential compensation. This evaluation can significantly influence the outcome of an accident benefits claim and any potential legal action.


This guide is designed to demystify the IME process for MVA patients in Ontario. In this guide you can get a clear, step-by-step understanding of what patients can expect, how to prepare effectively, and why this evaluation holds such immense significance for a case. At Unison, we want to help you approach your IME with confidence, understanding why you need to go through different assessments.



What is an Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)?


An Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) is a medical assessment conducted by a qualified healthcare professional who has no pre-existing therapeutic relationship with the injured one; their role is purely evaluative, not therapeutic.


The IME serves as an objective, third-party medical opinion on an injured one's condition. The goal is to provide an unbiased, evidence-based picture of a patient's illness or impairments. The IME assesses the severity of injuries and their impact on daily life, confirming what has been incurred from a car accident. As a result of the medical assessment, the healthcare professional writes an IME report, this document is used by legal professionals to quantify damages in settlements or court proceedings.


IMEs are conducted by regulated healthcare professionals with appropriate credentials, training, and experience. This can include a wide range of specialists. For example, at Unison Medical Assessments, we have occupational therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists, chiropractors etc. The specific specialist chosen will depend on the nature of the injury. These assessors are healthcare professionals on a daily basis, they do medical evaluations separately from their regular clinical practices.


After the examination, the IME centre, like Unison Medical Assessments, obtains the report from the assessor, conducts a quality assurance review, and securely delivers it to the referral source - it can be your family doctor or lawyer, it depends on who refer you to a healthcare facility.


In Ontario, the legal guidelines governing IMEs, particularly for MVA claims, are primarily outlined in the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), which is a regulation under the Insurance Act. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) also provides guidance related to auto insurance and claims. For the patient, it means that all healthcare facilities are regulated, and they are in the right hand.


Without medical assessments it is impossible to claim or settle a case for receiving potential compensation, get right treatment which is related to your injuries. IMEs are necessary for all following legal procedures, and your recovery after motor vehicle accident depends on them.



Types of IMEs Relevant to MVA Injuries


IMEs are not a single, uniform assessment; they are diverse and tailored to evaluate specific aspects of an individual's health and functionality, directly correlating with the nature of their MVA injuries. The choice of specialist is crucial and depends entirely on the injuries sustained.


The specific type of IME required depends on the nature of the condition and the purpose of the assessment. For example, if neurological symptoms are present, a neurologist will be retained. A thorough understanding of different IMEs and their specific implications is crucial because a misdiagnosis, an unfavorable assessment, or even the wrong type of IME being requested can profoundly impact overall compensation, access to necessary treatment, and long-term recovery.



The Step-by-Step IME Process: What to Expect


Understanding the chronological flow of an IME can significantly reduce anxiety and help individuals prepare effectively. The process can be broken down into three main phases: before, during, and after the examination.


I. Before the examination. Preparation is key

1. What to expect from the IME Notice. You'll receive a letter from your lawyer or the insurance company before your IME. This letter will tell you:

  • The date, time, and location of the exam,

  • The name and profession of the doctor doing the exam,

  • The doctor's area of specialty,

  • How long the exam is expected to take,

  • Any special instructions you need to follow.

What you should do: Read the letter carefully and talk to your lawyer right away. Your lawyer can make sure the exam is appropriate and that the doctor is the right type of specialist for your situation.


2. What to bring. Before your appointment, gather your medical information, including:

  • Medical records

  • Test results (like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans)

  • A list of all medications you’re currently taking, including how much and how often

This helps the examining doctor understand your health history and current condition.


3. Prepare your story. Be prepared to clearly explain:

  • How your injury happened,

  • What treatment you've had,

  • Your current symptoms,

  • How the injury has affected your daily life, work, and activities.

What you should do: Practice your story ahead of time. You may also want to write it down with your lawyer's help and give it to the doctor at the start of your exam. This can make sure everything is accurate and clear.


4. Planning for the day:

  • If you need a reliable transportation, please let us know in advance and we'll provide you transportation from your place to IME centre and back to home,

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early so you have time for paperwork,

  • Wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes,

  • Bring a t-shirt and shorts in case a physical exam is needed.


II. During the examination: conduct and awareness

1. The interview with the doctor. The exam usually starts with a simple conversation, and the doctor will ask:

  • How the injury happened,

  • What symptoms you have,

  • How symptoms have changed over time,

  • What treatment you've received so far,

  • How your injury affects daily activities, work, and hobbies.


2. How to handle the interview:

✔ Be honest and consistent: Tell the truth about your symptoms and medical history. Don't exaggerate or downplay anything.

✔ Be specific about pain: Try not to say things like "it just hurts." Instead, describe your pain in detail: What kind of pain is it (e.g., sharp, dull, burning)? Where exactly is it? How often does it happen, and how bad is it (Use a scale from 1 to 10 or 1 to 100)?

Give examples of things you can't do or struggle with because of the pain.

✔ Stick to the question: Only answer what the doctor asks. Don't go off-topic or give long stories unless asked.

✔ Stay polite and cooperative: Even if you're nervous or frustrated, stay calm and respectful.

✔ Know you're being watched: The doctor may observe how you move during the entire visit — like walking to the exam room, getting on the table, or sitting in the waiting room. If what they see doesn't match what you say, it could be used against you.


3. The physical examination: After the interview, the doctor will perform a physical exam. This will focus on the area of injury and may involve tests to check movement, strength, or function.

You might feel some discomfort during the exam — this is normal. The doctor should explain the tests and answer any questions.

If needed, they may do a Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE), where you'll be asked to perform simple tasks like:

  • Lifting or carrying,

  • Pushing or pulling,

  • Reaching or bending,

  • Using your hands or fingers.


III. After your examination: what happens next

1. What's in the IME Report? After the exam, the IME doctor will write a detailed report. This report usually includes:

  • Their medical findings

  • A diagnosis (what the condition is)

  • A prognosis (how recovery is expected to go)

  • Whether the injury is related to the accident

  • Your ability to work

  • Any future treatment or support you might need

  • The level of impairment or disability

The doctor must submit the report within a specific timeframe — at Unison, the report is usually prepared within 10 business days after the exam is complete.


2. Quality of the report: All IME reports made by Unison Medical Assessments are:

  • Clear and detailed

  • Fair and unbiased

  • Based on medical evidence

Doctors doing IMEs stay objective and provide an honest medical opinion.


The IME report is explicitly identified as a "powerful tool" and "crucial evidence" in personal injury cases, especially in MVA cases. The report can "validate the severity of injuries and the necessity of treatment" , thereby strengthening the claim. This means the IME report is not merely a neutral medical document; it is a strategic legal instrument.



Why the IME Report Matters


The IME report is much more than a medical opinion — it can strongly influence your motor vehicle accident claim and determine whether you receive benefits or compensation.

1. Impact on your treatment:

  • Treatment approval: The report can support or deny treatment plans like physiotherapy, counselling, or other rehab.

  • Returning to work: It may also include an opinion on when and how you can safely return to work.


2. Legal and settlement impact:

  • The IME is often used as evidence in legal disputes or settlement talks.

  • The doctor who did the IME may even be called to testify in court.

  • The report helps establish whether your injuries were caused by the accident and what recovery is expected.


3. How it can affect your claim:

  • IME report can strengthen your case.

  • But if the report downplays your injuries or blames pre-existing conditions, it can hurt your claim and lead to reduced or denied compensation.




Empowering Your Journey Through the IME Process


An Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) is a pivotal moment in any Ontario motor vehicle accident (MVA) claim. While intended to offer an objective medical opinion, in practice, IME reports often carry significant weight in determining access to benefits, treatment approval, and the outcome of legal disputes.


Understanding how IMEs work — and being fully prepared — can make a critical difference. Knowledge is your strongest asset, helping you approach the process with greater clarity and confidence.


An experienced personal injury lawyer plays a vital role in protecting your rights. They can guide you through each stage — from understanding your obligations to preparing for the assessment and challenging any unfair or inaccurate findings in the report. Without skilled legal support, there's a real risk of having necessary treatments denied or compensation reduced.


Just as important as legal guidance is ensuring the IME itself is conducted by trusted, qualified professionals. At Unison Medical Assessments, we provide high-quality, objective IME reports delivered by experienced medical specialists who understand both the clinical and legal significance of their evaluations.


Whether you're a patient, lawyer, or clinic partner, contact Unison Medical Assessments today to ensure your IME is handled with the professionalism, accuracy, and integrity your case deserves.



Unison Medical Assessments

 
 
 

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