Understanding Your IME

It’s normal to have questions or feel uncertain about an IME. This type of evaluation is a standard part of many workers’ compensation and personal injury cases, and its purpose is to provide an objective medical opinion based on your condition.

The physician conducting your exam is there to evaluate your medical situation—not to provide treatment or make decisions about your claim. Their role is to review your history, listen to your concerns, and perform an evaluation to better understand your condition.

Our goal is to ensure that you feel informed, comfortable, and prepared throughout the process. If you have questions before your appointment, the representative handling your case can help further guide you and explain what to expect.

The Evaluation Process

What to Expect Before Your IME Appointment

To help your appointment go smoothly, please review the following important information:

Communication
All scheduling changes, cancellations, and document submissions must be handled through your injury representative (such as your claims adjuster, case manager, or attorney). Our office is unable to make these changes directly with you.

Medical Records Review
Prior to your appointment, our team works closely with your representative to collect and review all relevant medical records related to your injury or condition.

Arrival Time
Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time. There is no need to arrive any earlier than scheduled, as time is built into your appointment for any necessary paperwork.

What to Bring

• A valid photo ID (driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport)
• A current list of all medications you are taking

Arriving at Your IME Appointment

Our clinic address is:
12103 Anne Street, Omaha, NE 68137

When you arrive, please ring the doorbell located to the right of the front entrance. A staff member will greet you shortly. Handicapped-accessible parking is available on the east side of the building.

If an interpreter has been arranged, they will meet you at check-in. If you haven’t already completed it, you will be guided through completing a medical history questionnaire and any additional required paperwork.

At Your Virtual IME

A Virtual Independent Medical Examination (V-IME) takes place at one of our partnered physical therapy clinics, with support from an on-site medical professional—typically a physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT).

When you arrive at the clinic, please check in with a staff member. If an interpreter has been arranged, they will meet you at check-in. If you haven’t already completed it, you will then complete a medical history questionnaire before being escorted to the exam room with the on-site PT or OT.

During the examination, the physician will join remotely using a secure, high-resolution video and audio system to conduct your evaluation.

During the Exam

Your IME is for evaluation purposes only. You will not receive treatment for your condition or injury during this appointment.

Only you, the physician, and a medical assistant will be present in the exam room. An interpreter will also be present if one has been arranged. During the exam, the physician will review your medical history questionnaire with you.

The examination may include various measurements and assessments related to your injury or condition. The physician will ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, how your injury occurred, and how it affects your daily activities. They may also document their findings with written notes.

After the Exam

At the conclusion of your exam, the physician may share preliminary observations and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions or add additional information.

Following the appointment, the physician will prepare a detailed report based on the medical records reviewed and the findings from your examination. This report is sent to the party who requested the IME.

Communication
All communication with Merit Medical Evaluations, both before and after your exam, must be handled through your injury representative.

Access to Documents
You are entitled to copies of documentation related to your appointment:

• Merit Medical Evaluations can provide copies of any forms you sign during your visit upon request
• To obtain a copy of the physician’s final report, you must request it directly from your injury representative

It is important to understand that this evaluation is not for treatment or ongoing care, but to provide an independent medical opinion.