Preparing for Your IME Appointment
What to Expect When Seeing a PsycIME Assessor
You’ve been scheduled for a psychiatric Independent Medical Examination (IME) with PsycIME. This assessment has been arranged by a third party—often a lawyer, insurance provider, or IME company—to provide an impartial medical opinion regarding your mental health.
We understand that coming in for a psychiatric assessment can feel unfamiliar, and we want to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible. Below, you’ll find helpful steps to guide you through what to expect and how to prepare for your appointment.
Getting Ready for Your Appointment
1. Know Your Appointment Details
Be sure you are aware of your appointment date, time, and format (in person or virtual). If you are unsure, contact the person or organization who booked your assessment for confirmation.
2. Plan for Travel or Technology
If your appointment is in person, plan your transportation ahead of time and ensure you know the clinic location and how to get there.
If your appointment is virtual, make sure you have access to a quiet, private space and a stable internet connection for your video call.
3. Bring Medications & Helpful Notes
Have a list of your current medications with you. You are also welcome to bring brief notes or documents you feel will help you share your experiences during the assessment.
4. Take Time for Yourself After
A psychiatric assessment can sometimes feel emotionally or mentally taxing. We recommend giving yourself space to rest and decompress after your appointment, especially if you’ve discussed difficult topics.
5. For Next Steps, Contact Your Referring Party
If you have questions about what happens next—such as when a report will be available or how the results will be used—please reach out directly to the person or organization who arranged your assessment. PsycIME cannot release reports directly to patients.
Day of the assessment: What to Expect-For Individuals Receiving an IME
What should I expect at my scheduled IME assessment appointment?
- We suggest you arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
- If your assessment is virtual we recommend you test your internet connection and link to your appointment 20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. If you are having any trouble get in touch with bookings@psycime.com right away or call 1-844-8 PSYCIME.
- Please bring identification to confirm your identity, as well as a list of your current medications.
- You will be asked to sign a consent form and to complete an intake form, which is similar to what you will find when you click the button on the left.
- You will then meet with the psychiatrist and their assistant.
- You will be provided with an overview of the assessment process, at which point a consent form will be provided to you.
- Your assessment can take up to two hours.
- You will then be able to arrange for your own transportation after the assessment.
The following types of questions will be asked during your psychiatric assessment. If you would like to complete and submit this form in advance, you are welcome to do so.
- Demographic information
- Personal History
- Academic and Vocational History
- Family history, Medical history, Current medications
- Substance use history
- Functional ability
- History of the injury or illness
Your referring agency could be a) Law Firm, b) An Insurer c) an Employer d) another 3rd party provider.
- The referring agency will provide PsycIME with your medical records. This process is entirely confidential. Refer to our privacy policy for more information under the About Us Legal Section.
- You will receive your confirmed time, date, location and assessor info.
- For information about ongoing advice and treatment, please refer to PsycIME’s DTE Evaluations.
- If you have been referred for an independent medical evaluation, there is no traditional doctor-patient relationship. You should not expect advice, treatment recommendations or follow-up from the assessing psychiatrist post-assessment.
- A report will be sent to the referring agency.
- What if I require an interpreter?
- Contact your referring agent (law firm, employer or insurer right away and notify them that you require translation support).
What do I do if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Notify your lawyer, insurer, employer and or PsycIME at least 72 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment. No shows and cancellations after this time will incur a no show fee.
IME rules and regulations vary by jurisdiction and context. Individuals undergoing an IME can choose a representative to protect their interests. Since IME findings can have legal and financial implications, seeking legal advice is advisable if there are concerns about the process or results.
