Information for Examinees

Red Health is a trusted medico-legal service provider. We arrange independent medical assessments for clients across various sectors, including legal, insurance, workers’ compensation, government, human resources, and both private and public sectors. Our extensive network of medical specialists and allied health professionals allows us to deliver these services with expertise and care.

The purpose of an IME is to independently evaluate medical conditions.  There are many reasons why an individual’s medical condition needs to be evaluated.  One common reason is to determine whether a medical condition is permanent and how the medical condition affects an individual’s ability to function in day to day life and at work.

An independent medical assessor/examiner is an experienced medical practitioner who has undertaken specialised training to provide an independent medical opinion.  The medical practitioner will assess an individual’s medical condition by conducting a physical examination and consultation.  They will review relevant documentation as provided by the referring party or supplied by you and will provide their independent medical opinion within a written report.

Please note that the assessor/examiner is unable to offer any treating advice to you.

In most independent medical assessments, you will have both a consultation and a physical examination. If your assessment is for a psychological condition, a physical examination is generally not required.
Assessments may be conducted either in person or virtually. If your assessment is held virtually, an allied health professional may be present to assist with any components of the physical examination.

During an independent medical assessment, you will be asked to provide information about your medical condition, including when it began and how it has progressed, the symptoms you experience, the treatments you have undertaken, and the medical practitioners you have seen. The assessor may also discuss any surgeries or procedures, how your condition affects your ability to work and engage in social, leisure, or domestic activities, and whether you have needed care or assistance from family, friends, or other services.

The information you provide helps the medical practitioner form an independent opinion. Being open and honest allows them to fully understand how your condition affects you.

For an in-person assessment, the medical practitioner will perform a physical examination of your medical condition(s), which includes a focused assessment of the injured area and a broader evaluation of your overall health.

For a virtual assessment, you may be supported by an allied health professional, who will be with you.  They will conduct the physical examination of your medical condition(s) as instructed by, and under the supervision of, the medical practitioner.

During the assessment, you may be requested to partially undress, and gowns will be provided for your comfort and privacy.  We recommend you wear loose fitting clothing and underwear.  Rest assured, the examination will be conducted with utmost integrity and discretion by the medical practitioner.

A family member or friend may attend the appointment with you.  Please be aware the medical practitioner may ask your support person to wait in the reception area for part of, or the full duration of the appointment.  The presence of a support person must be agreed to by the medical practitioner.

You or the medical practitioner may request a chaperone for the assessment.  The purpose of the chaperone is to supervise the physical assessment but may be present throughout the entire duration of the appointment.

The purpose of the support person is to be there for you.  They are not there to actively participate in the assessment but may be asked a question or two during the assessment to assist the medical practitioner, if needed.

If your assessment is being conducted virtually, your support person must be present at the same location as you. After being introduced and acknowledged by the medical practitioner, your support person should move out of the camera’s view.

Appointments typically last between one to one and a half hours.  If your appointment is expected to be longer than usual, we would have informed you in advance of your scheduled date.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment.  You will need to bring photo identification such as your driver licence, 18+ card or passport.

Please be aware that these assessments are not like other medical appointments.  There could be a significant wait time of many months before you can obtain a new appointment if you cannot make the original one made for you.

If you fail to attend your appointment or cancel it without adequate notice to us, you may incur a fee.