As discussed in Common Tips for IMEs Part 1 (ppg 6–7), the independent medical evaluation (IME) process is divided into three phases: pre-evaluation, evaluation, and postevaluation. The pre-evaluation phase—the focus of this article—consists of several steps that ultimately lead to the evaluation itself. The evaluation process begins when a client requires an IME. The client may need resolution of certain issues for case or claims management. Other providers may not have dealt with these areas, or they may be in controversy. The scope of issues depends on the case's specifics and setting. The evaluating physician must understand the client's expectations and the nature of the evaluation.
Table 1 identifies the most common IME issues. It is important that the physician understand and address the issues requested by the client and limit the evaluation to those issues.
When deciding...
