What Is an Independent Medical Examination (IME) — And When Do You Need One?

When a disputed medical question sits at the center of a workers' compensation claim, personal injury case, or disability determination, everyone involved deserves an objective answer. That's where an Independent Medical Examination — or IME — comes in.

An IME is a structured medical evaluation conducted by a physician who has no prior treating relationship with the examinee. The purpose is not to provide treatment, but to offer an expert, impartial medical opinion on specific clinical and legal questions.

Who Requests IMEs — and Why

IMEs are most commonly requested by:

• Insurance carriers evaluating the extent or causation of a claimed injury
• Employers or their legal counsel responding to a disputed workers' comp claim
• Defense or plaintiff attorneys requiring an independent clinical opinion
• Disability benefit administrators assessing functional capacity

The questions an IME is asked to answer vary by case, but often include: Is the claimed condition causally related to the described incident? Has the claimant reached maximum medical improvement? What is the degree of permanent impairment? Is the proposed treatment medically necessary?

What Makes a Good IME Physician

Not all IME providers are created equal. A high-quality independent examination requires a physician who holds relevant board certification in occupational medicine or a related specialty, has no financial interest in the outcome of the case, understands AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, and can produce a well-reasoned, clearly written report that will hold up to scrutiny in legal proceedings.

Dr. Olatunde Oso at Ogiso Health is a Board-Certified Preventive and Occupational Medicine physician with specific expertise in the medical-legal aspects of work-related injury and illness. His IME reports are thorough, evidence-based, and written with the clarity that attorneys, adjusters, and administrative law judges require.

What the IME Process Looks Like

A complete IME at Ogiso Health includes a comprehensive review of all available medical records, a structured in-person physical examination, application of the appropriate rating methodology (AMA Guides, Tennessee workers' comp guidelines), and a detailed written report addressing the specific questions posed by the requesting party.

The entire process — from records review to final report — is typically completed within a clearly defined timeframe. We offer flat-fee IME services at $2,500, which covers the records review, examination, and written report. There are no hidden charges or variable fees based on the complexity of the case.

Serving Tennessee's Legal and Insurance Community

Ogiso Health provides IME services to attorneys, insurance carriers, and employers throughout Tennessee. Our Nashville location is convenient to the courthouse district, major law firms, and regional insurance offices.

If you need an objective, well-documented medical opinion for a pending legal or insurance matter, we're ready to help. Turnaround times and scheduling can be discussed directly with our office.

Request an IME

To request an Independent Medical Examination, visit ogisohealth.com/content/ime-request or call 615-397-6243. We serve attorneys, insurance carriers, and employers throughout Middle Tennessee. Located at 2700 Gallatin Pike, Suite D, Nashville, TN 37216.