In the Loop Vol. 27 — Timing the IME Process

The IME process has several time-sensitive stages, and planning around them prevents avoidable stress. Sought-after specialists are frequently booked out three months or more in advance, so the single best step is to book as early as possible to secure an appointment within your required timeframe.

Getting the Brief Timing Right

Briefing is its own balancing act. Collate the brief too early and you may miss recent records; too late and the specialist has no time to review it. Aim to provide the brief one to three weeks before the examination — recent enough to be current, early enough for proper preparation.

Preparing the Claimant

The claimant needs preparation too. Confirm the location, date, and time at least one to two weeks ahead, ensure any forms are returned, and, for video assessments, help them test their equipment and confirm a private location. Where a solicitor relays communications, allow extra lead time to avoid missed messages.

Keeping Communication Open

Finally, keep the lines open. Provide an alternate contact for the day of assessment, flag any urgent deadlines to VERIFY as early as possible, and let us know if further documents arrive during drafting — a supplementary report can often be arranged even after the specialist has formed an opinion.