Occupational Health

Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)

Why get an Independent Medical Evaluation?

An IME provides a thoroughly objective, impartial assessment of an individual’s diagnoses, prognosis and recommendations for treatment and recovery. An IME occurs when the physician and health care team have not previously been involved in a person’s care. There is no ongoing doctor/therapist-patient relationship.

At HUM, we specialize in IMEs focused on Addiction, mental health and chronic pain issues.

Who is this program for?

If there are work-related performance issues or an injury, an IME may be conducted to determine the underlying causes, extent of pre-existing or current problems and the efficacy of current medical treatment, with a view to further recommendations for investigations and treatment. This evaluation may be conducted at the request of an employer or an insurance carrier to obtain an independent opinion of the clinical status of the individual. Based on a comprehensive review of the individual’s history, an extensive interview process and an objective medical assessment, HUM provides a detailed, highly defensible report.

Nursing Assessment
Psychological/Social Work Assessment + testing
Medical Assessment

Chain of custody drug screen
Report

Nursing Assessment

1-2 hour appointment with a Registered Nurse.

During this appointment, presenting issues and concerns will be addressed and individuals will complete a bio-psycho-social-spiritual questionnaire. The comprehensive questionnaire will address previous and current physical and/or mental health issues, family history, past and current work issues, substance use, prescription medications, chronic pain issues (if applicable)

Psychological Assessment

1 hour appointment with a Registered Psychologist + Psychological testing (1-2 hours)

During this appointment, the therapist will gather information on current issues and concerns, discuss significant relationships, mental health diagnoses (e.g., depression, anxiety), substance use, and chronic pain issues, if applicable. This assessment is holistic and focuses on the individuals’ bio-psycho-social-spiritual health to learn what issues they have been having and what they have or have not been doing for coping.

In addition to the assessment interview, individuals will complete psychological testing. Each test will take approximately 30-50 minutes to complete and measure areas including: memory, mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, substance use, social support, self-harm, perception of self and relationships. The specific tests that will be used will be determined when the IME is scheduled, based on the presenting issues. Results of the tests will be included in the IME report.

Medical Assessment

1-hour appointment with a Medical Doctor.

Prior to this appointment, the medical doctor will review all workplace documentation and any additional information that has been provided. During this appointment, current issues and concerns will be explored through a clinical interview with an accompanying physical examination. Medications will be reviewed and diagnoses clarified. An individualized treatment plan and recommendations will be outlined, tailored to the client’s specific needs in context with the workplace issues for maximizing the individual’s health potential.

Chain of Custody Drug Screen

If this is required, an appointment will be booked for the individual participating in the IME as part of the assessment process. Results will be provided to HUM, reviewed, and incorporated into the IME report.

Report

The IME report can be a detailed, comprehensive summary of all of the information gathered about the individual, along with diagnosis(es) and treatment recommendations. The amount and type of information contained in the report can be tailored depending on what is needed.

Using the independent medical evaluation

An IME is a formal assessment referred by a third party, for example an employer or insurance company. The third party representative can contact HUM directly requesting the IME and the appointments will be scheduled at that time.

What are the costs?

The cost of the IME is $4800 which includes the 3 assessment appointments, chain of custody drug screen and blood work, IME report.