If you’re an employer, insurance provider, or legal professional, IMEs can help you make informed decisions that impact workplace safety, insurance claims, and legal cases.

An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a medical assessment performed by a healthcare practitioner who does not have any prior relationship with the individual being examined. IMEs are common in Canada and are typically requested by insurance companies, employers, lawyers, government agencies, and other organizations. 

At SOMA Medical, we specialize in providing these objective and unbiased assessments to help stakeholders make informed decisions based on facts, not assumptions.

IMEs are used for several reasons, but in general, they serve three key purposes:

1. To validate the level of disability, impairment, and limitations resulting from an incident.
2. To offer treatment recommendations aimed at promoting recovery.
3. To determine liability, causality, and assess future health risks.

The goal of an IME is to provide an impartial, evidence-based understanding of a person's injuries, illness, or impairments, so decisions related to their claim can be made based on objective facts. This is why the IME is conducted by an independent healthcare professional, rather than the person’s treating physician.

Why Use an IME and How Can It Help with Your Job?

IMEs play a crucial role in ensuring that medical assessments remain unbiased and objective. If you’re an employer, insurance provider, or legal professional, IMEs can help you make informed decisions that impact workplace safety, insurance claims, and legal cases.

For Employers:

• IMEs help determine an employee’s fitness to return to work after an injury.
• They assist in developing appropriate workplace accommodations and modifications.
• They provide clarity on whether an employee's condition is work-related or stems from pre-existing conditions.

For Insurance Providers:

• IMEs validate injury claims to ensure fair benefits and compensation.
• They provide objective medical opinions to support decision-making in complex cases.

For Legal Professionals:

• IMEs offer expert medical opinions that can be used in court cases, mediation, and settlements.
• They help quantify the extent of an injury and its long-term impact.
  
  

Common Types of IME Services Provided by SOMA Medical

Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) / Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluation (COG FCE)

FCEs measure an individual’s physical abilities relative to their pre-accident occupation or daily activities. These evaluations use standardized or occupation-specific tests to assess limitations and the consistency of effort. FCEs are conducted by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or kinesiologists.

COG FCEs go beyond the physical and assess cognitive abilities, such as attention, memory, planning, problem-solving, and the impact of mental fatigue. This evaluation is particularly valuable for individuals experiencing cognitive difficulties following a concussion or traumatic brain injury.

Specialist IME

SOMA offers IMEs with every type of medical discipline. The most common specialist types include; physiatrists, orthopaedic surgeons, occupational therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, occupational medicine and internal medicine.

The chosen discipline will match the diagnosis/impairment/disability that pertains to your case.  We also have subspecialties within medical assessor types, e.g. within orthopaedics there are specialists that expertly opine on areas of the body common to their surgical practice.

Mental Health IME
Mental Health IMEs are conducted by psychiatrists or psychologists to assess any mental or behavioral disorders that may be related to the injury. The assessment includes interviews, mental status examinations, and reviews of medical records, with the option of conducting collateral interviews with family members or other healthcare providers.

Multidisciplinary IME
Multidisciplinary IMEs involve a team of healthcare professionals who collaboratively assess the injury or condition in question. This approach is ideal for complex cases, where the input of multiple specialists is required to form a comprehensive opinion. The team works together to create a detailed report that reflects the combined expertise of the group.

Early Intervention IME
Our Early Intervention IME focuses on identifying and assessing minor injuries early in a claim, typically within the first two years after an accident. By determining whether an injury falls within the definition of "minor injury" (such as sprains, strains, and whiplash), we help ensure the right medical treatment and claim management strategies are implemented.

Virtual Assessments (IMEs)
The rise of virtual services during the COVID-19 pandemic has made remote IMEs a feasible option. At SOMA Medical, we offer virtual and hybrid virtual IMEs, ensuring that stakeholders continue to receive accurate and unbiased assessments while adhering to public health guidelines. Our virtual services cover a wide range of medical specialists, and we tailor the assessment to your specific needs.

We pride ourselves on providing client-focused, comprehensive IME services that support legal professionals, insurance providers, employers, government agencies, and individuals. Whether you're navigating a complex claim or need a clear, unbiased evaluation, we’re here to help.

How to Book an IME 

Booking an IME is a straightforward process designed to ensure efficiency and clarity for all parties involved.

Step 1: Identify Your Needs Before scheduling an IME, determine the type of assessment required based on the medical concerns at hand. Whether it's a Functional Capacity Evaluation, a Mental Health IME, or a Multidisciplinary IME, we can guide you toward the best solution.

Step 2: Contact SOMA Medical Reach out to our team via phone, email, or through our website to discuss your specific IME requirements. Our team will help you select the appropriate specialist and set up the appointment.

Step 3: Schedule the Appointment We offer flexible scheduling options, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid assessments. Once an appointment is scheduled, we coordinate with all necessary parties to ensure a seamless process.

Step 4: Attend the IME The individual being assessed will meet with a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Depending on the type of IME, the examination may include interviews, physical assessments, medical record reviews, and cognitive or functional tests.

Step 5: Receive the IME Report Following the Assessment, our medical experts compile a detailed IME report outlining the findings, medical opinions, and any necessary recommendations. The report is then provided to the requesting party for review and action.

Whether this is your first time booking an IME, you're navigating a complex claim or need a clear, unbiased evaluation, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about IMEs or any of the other specialized services we offer!