Information for Claimants

An IME is a medical examination conducted by a specialist who is not the claimant’s treating doctor. It is commissioned by a party to a legal or insurance claim — typically a lawyer or insurer — to obtain an independent, impartial medical opinion. The examiner assesses the claimant’s injuries or medical conditions, considers causation, and provides opinions on matters such as impairment, treatment, prognosis, and capacity for work. The written report is used in the resolution of legal, insurance, or compensation claims.

An independent medical examiner is a specialist medical practitioner or allied health professional engaged to provide an objective, expert opinion on a claimant’s condition. Importantly, they are not the claimant’s treating doctor — their role is to provide an impartial assessment, not clinical care. Examiners are selected for their expertise in the relevant specialty and their experience in the medico-legal context. Their overriding duty is to the court or tribunal, not to the party that commissioned the report.

An IME is a standard step in most personal injury, WorkCover, CTP, and compensation claims. It allows an independent specialist to assess your injury, condition, and functional capacity to assist in resolving your claim. The purpose is not to challenge your account — it is to obtain an objective medical opinion on matters relevant to the legal or insurance process. Your lawyer can explain the specific reasons it has been requested in your matter.

No. The independent medical examiner is not your treating doctor and will not provide clinical care. Their role is to assess your injuries and provide a written report to the commissioning party — usually your lawyer or the insurer. You should continue to see your regular treating doctors for ongoing medical care. Do not expect the IME examiner to prescribe medication, refer you for treatment, or give you medical advice.

On arrival, you will complete paperwork and produce photo identification. The examiner — who will have already received and read your medical brief — may ask about how the accident or incident happened, your symptoms and treatment history, and how your condition has affected your work and daily life. For a physical injury, a focused clinical examination of the injured area will be conducted. The examiner then prepares a written report provided to your lawyer.

The examiner’s questions will depend on your specific injuries and the issues in your claim. Common areas include: how the incident occurred; the nature, location, and severity of your symptoms; the treatment you have received; how your condition has progressed over time; the impact on your ability to work, drive, perform household tasks, and participate in recreational activities; your pre-existing health conditions; and your current daily functioning. Answer honestly and as accurately as you can.

Bring photographic identification (driver licence or passport), the completed Claimant Questionnaire, and the completed Informed Consent form. For a physical examination, also bring any X-rays, CT scans, or MRI results you have. VERIFY sends the questionnaire and consent form to your lawyer before the appointment. If you have not received them, contact your lawyer as soon as possible.

The duration varies with the complexity of your injuries and the specialty involved. As a general guide, allow approximately one hour for an orthopaedic surgeon or neurosurgeon; up to 90 minutes for a neurologist if additional testing is required; 90 minutes to two hours for a psychiatric examination; and two to three hours for an occupational therapist assessment. Your lawyer or VERIFY’s office can give you a more specific estimate for your appointment.

You are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or support person. However, in most cases they will be asked to wait in reception during the examination itself. If the examiner permits a support person to be present, they are there solely to provide emotional support — not to participate in, answer questions during, or interrupt the examination. Please advise VERIFY’s office in advance if you wish to bring a support person.

Recording the examination — whether audio or video — is generally not permitted without the express consent of the examiner and the referring party. If you wish to request permission to record the examination, you should raise this with your lawyer before the appointment. Attempting to make an unauthorised recording may result in the examination being terminated.

Contact VERIFY’s office immediately on 07 3356 0469 and notify your lawyer as soon as possible. We will inform the examiner and, where possible, arrange a new appointment time. Please be aware that short-notice cancellations may attract a cancellation fee, and failure to attend without adequate notice will result in a non-attendance fee. These fees are generally invoiced to the referring lawyer.

Contact VERIFY immediately on 07 3356 0469 if you are running late. We will advise the examiner and let you know whether the appointment can proceed. If you arrive significantly late, the examiner may not be able to see you and the appointment may need to be rescheduled, with a late-arrival fee potentially applying.

VERIFY can arrange a qualified interpreter for your appointment at no cost to you. Please advise your lawyer as soon as possible so that we receive adequate notice to arrange this. Interpreter bookings take time to organise, so early notice is important.

The Claimant Questionnaire is a document prepared by VERIFY that asks you to provide background information about yourself, your injury, your treatment history, and how your condition has affected your daily life. The specialist receives and considers this document as part of their pre-examination preparation. Complete it as thoroughly and accurately as you can — it helps the examiner understand your situation before the appointment.

No. You do not pay anything directly to VERIFY or to the examiner. The cost of the examination and the medico-legal report is invoiced to your lawyer (or insurer) — not to you. If you have any concerns about costs, speak to your lawyer.

The report is prepared for the commissioning party — usually your lawyer — and is provided directly to them. VERIFY is unable to release the report to you. If you wish to obtain a copy, speak to your lawyer. Whether and when you can see the report will depend on the stage of your claim, applicable legislation, and your lawyer’s advice.