What is an Independent Medical Examination (IME)?
An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is precisely what it sounds like; it is an independent medical evaluation or an outside opinion. Typically, an insurance company or employer will request an unbiased medical examination if there is a question or dispute with an employee’s workman’s compensation case regarding the claimant’s injury, diagnosis and/or treatment plan. In these cases, BICMD is hired to provide an IME as an additional, credible source of medical information.
What an Independent Medical Examination (IME) by BICMD Really Means:
Our BICMD team of renowned physicians across multiple disciplines provides an unbiased review of the patient’s medical condition and gives a fact-based evaluation of the current injury. A board-certified, practicing physician who is in the top 1% of their field, and who is not involved in the patient’s ongoing care, examines the patient, reviews testing and gives an expert opinion on the status of the patient. This review give claims professionals, employers, treating physicians, and the worker clear, easy to understand, unbiased information. We help everyone “get on the same page” by bringing clarity to the patient’s condition and explaining the proper evidence-based steps to move forward. Our IME’s are not about taking sides, they are about helping all parties move confidently toward an informed decision.
What an IME is not:
A well-done IME gives fact-based information without offering “support” to any of the involved parties. It is a neutral opinion, based solely on medical facts. Our physicians do that by taking into consideration the patient’s presentation, health record, and medical testing. The goal at BICMD is to provide clarity, not bias so that stakeholders can trust the evidence-based conclusions we provide. If the medical examination takes sides, it’s not a legitimate IME.
Here is a quick reference guide, showing what an IME is and what it is not:
| What and IME IS: | What an IME Is NOT: |
|---|---|
| An independent, unbiased medical evaluation done by BICMD | An evaluation designed to support one side of the claim (i.e. patient, insurance or employer) |
| A fact-based assessment | An attempt to confirm a predetermined outcome |
| Transparency with fact-based rationale | Speculation, assumptions or incomplete diagnosis |
| Timely evaluation | Delay tactics |
| Centered on accuracy, fairness and clear communication | Influenced by outside pressure or expectations |
Why does an independent medical examination (IME) matter for claims professionals?
The claims environment is constantly changing. Insurance professionals are seeing increased medical complexity, more legal scrutiny, and rising healthcare costs. Now more than ever, unbiased medical clarity is needed to remove uncertainty and replace it with evidence-based conclusions. BICMD’s IMEs can help claims professionals through every step of the claims process to:
- Reduce claims disputes by giving a neutral, evidence-based report.
- Enhance decision making by providing a concise medical summary that is clear and easy to understand.
- Streamline the independent examination process by providing timely medical examinations and subsequent summaries.
- Protect against legal challenges by providing a well-documented, evidence-based IME to demonstrate due diligence and an objective review.
The BICMD Difference: Trusted by Insurance Professionals Nationwide
At BICMD, we understand that claims professionals depend on timely, accurate, and impartial medical evaluations. Our network of board-certified specialists provides independent medical examinations that meet the highest expectation of clinical and ethical standards.
Why should you partner with BICMD for your independent medical examination?
Partnering with BICMD gives you instant access to the top 1% of board-certified physicians in the country. Our process is designed for a quick, reliable turn-around that delivers clear, comprehensive reports. Each of our IMEs provides transparent and defensible documentation that remains neutral and does not take sides in a claim. BICMD ensures every independent medical examination is grounded in integrity, expertise, and objectivity. The result is confidence that every decision reflects the best available medical evidence.
Partner with BICMD for clear, evidence-based independent medical examinations you can trust. Our board-certified specialists deliver timely, objective evaluations that clarify complex medical questions and support sound, defensible decisions, without bias or influence. Get the clarity you need to move cases forward confidently.
