Can you bring a support person to your IME appointment?
Insurance companies or other third parties often request IMEs (Independent Medical Examinations) in a legal claim to obtain an independent assessment of a person’s medical condition.
Independent Medical Assessments can be stressful and overwhelming for examinees, especially if they are unsure about what to expect from the process. Examinees commonly ask if someone can attend their IME with them. Of course, it is possible, but let’s look at all the considerations.
IME Provider Policies and Guidelines
Whether you can bring a support person depends on the policies and guidelines of the IME provider. If the provider allows support people, it may be permitted for specific parts or all of the appointments and this can differ with each medical expert. In contrast, some IME providers will ask that support people remain in the waiting room. The type of Independent Medical Assessment will also determine whether having a support person is suitable.
Most providers will have information about their policies and guidelines on their website or through their customer service department. Lawyers and case managers should advise on whether a person can and should bring a companion to their IME appointment for the medico-legal report and, if so, what the provider’s policies and guidelines are. If they aren’t sure, then steps to check with the provider is best practice.
Benefits of having a support person
We want everyone to get the most out of the IME appointment, and having someone there can help an examinee feel more confident and collected if they are nervous, particularly if they have not undergone this type of assessment before. Emotional support through words of encouragement or just having the physical presence of someone trusted can assist anxious examinees.
In some cases, a support person role may involve helping examinees understand the questions to ensure they can answer everything and clarify any information. Remembering their medical history, information about medications and specific dates about their condition can be difficult, especially when feeling nervous or stressed. While they cannot answer questions, a support person can help them remember facts and information. They can also assist with the completion of forms which are often required.
Considerations for Supporting People at Independent Medical Examinations
Independent Medical Examinations are a specialised appointment which differs to those with treating practitioners. The duration of appointment can range from 45 minutes to 8 hours in some specialties and the medical examiner is required to undertake testing and ask questions about the examinees personal circumstances in order for them to meet the report requirements.
It is important to be aware that during certain parts of the appointment, there may be information that the examinee prefers their support person didn’t know or questions they would rather not answer in their presence.
A support person may be a friend or relative, or someone that understands your needs and can help ensure you have adequate support along your IME journey.
When Considering A Support Person for Your Independent Medical Examination:
- Choose someone trusted and who knows you well.
- Reach out to the party who organised the appointment and seek information about the IME process so you know what to expect.
- Let the support person know what kind of support is needed.
- Understand the IME provider and their policies and guidelines
- Inform the provider if a support person will be attending in advance.
- Be aware that a support person may need to remain in the waiting area or only invited into the IME for a specific period of time.
Not sure if you should bring a support person to your Independent Medical Assessment appointment? In that case, it is always best to talk to your lawyer or case manager and they can get in touch with us.