Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the IME Process:
What is a Psychiatric Independent Medical Examination (IME)?
An IME is an independent evaluation of your mental health, often requested by an insurance company, lawyer, or employer. It’s done by a psychiatrist who is not your treating doctor, to provide an unbiased opinion on your condition, its cause, and its impact on your life.
Why do I need to attend an IME?
IMEs are usually requested when there’s a legal claim (like an accident claim, disability claim, or personal injury lawsuit) that involves your mental health. The report helps the requesting party understand your psychiatric condition, how it relates to the incident, and its impact on your ability to function.
Is this assessment confidential?
While the assessment itself is private, the report generated from it is not confidential between you and the psychiatrist. It will be sent to the party who requested the IME (e.g., your lawyer, the insurance company).
Will this psychiatrist become my treating doctor?
No, the psychiatrist conducting the IME is not your treating physician. Their role is solely to perform an assessment and provide an independent report. They will not prescribe medication or provide ongoing therapy.
How long will the assessment take?
The length can vary, but generally, a psychiatric IME can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, or sometimes longer, depending on the complexity of your case.
Questions Before Your Assessment:
What should I bring to my appointment?
You should bring any relevant medical records you have, a list of your current medications (including dosages), and a list of your past and current mental health providers. It’s also helpful to bring a list of questions you might have.
Do I need to prepare anything beforehand?
It’s helpful to think about the timeline of events, how your symptoms developed, and how they affect your daily life, work, and relationships. Be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions.
Can I have someone accompany me to the assessment?
Generally, you can have a support person or legal representative accompany you to the waiting room. Whether they can be present during the assessment itself depends on the specific IME provider’s policy and the nature of the assessment. It’s best to confirm this when booking.
What if I don’t speak English?
Will an interpreter be provided? If language is a barrier, an interpreter can often be arranged. You should inform the booking coordinator about your language needs when scheduling the appointment.
Questions During Your Assessment:
What kind of questions will the psychiatrist ask?
The psychiatrist will ask about your current symptoms, how they started, how they affect your daily life, your medical and psychiatric history, family history, work history, social life, and the specific incident relevant to your claim.
Do I have to answer every question?
While you are encouraged to be open and honest to ensure an accurate assessment, you have the right to decline to answer a question. However, be aware that not answering may impact the completeness of the report.
What if I feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed during the assessment?
You can request a short break if you feel overwhelmed. Inform the psychiatrist if you need a moment.
Questions After Your Assessment:
What happens after the assessment?
The psychiatrist will prepare a detailed report based on their findings. This report will be sent to the party who requested the IME.
Will I receive a copy of the report?
You typically won’t receive the report directly from PsycIME. Your lawyer, if you have one, should be able to provide you with a copy. If you don’t have a lawyer, the requesting party (e.g., insurance company) might provide it.
How long does it take to get the report?
Report turnaround times can vary, but PsycIME aims for rapid turnaround as mentioned in their service descriptions. The exact timeline can be discussed with the booking coordinator.
What if I disagree with the findings in the report?
If you disagree with the report’s findings, you should discuss your concerns with your lawyer (if applicable) or the party who requested the IME. They can advise you on your options, which might include requesting a rebuttal report or another assessment.
Will I have to testify in court based on this report?
In some cases, the psychiatrist may be called upon to provide expert testimony in court or at a tribunal, especially in complex or disputed claims. This would be discussed with your legal representation.
