If you’ve recently received a letter asking you to attend an independent medical examination (IME) as part of your CTP claim, you might be feeling a mix of anxiety and confusion. What is it? Do you really have to go? How will it affect your claim?
Here’s the truth: yes, you need to attend. But understanding what to expect and how to prepare can make the process far less stressful and help protect your claim.
Think of an IME as the referee in your compensation game. Your treating doctor is on your team, providing care and guidance. The IME doctor, on the other hand, is neutral—or at least supposed to be—and their assessment can have a serious impact on your claim outcome.
Why insurers request Independent Medical Examinations
Your treating doctor is focused on recovery and treatment, while the IME doctor is brought in to provide an independent opinion for the insurer. In Queensland, insurers—whether WorkCover Queensland for workers compensation claims or CTP insurers for motor vehicle claims— typically request these examinations at key stages of your claim.
Some common reasons include:
| Stage of claim | Purpose of IME (Under WC) |
| Initial claim assessment | To confirm that the injury is genuine and that liability should be accepted. |
| Before approving surgery | To determine whether a proposed operation or specialist treatment is truly necessary. |
| Work capacity reviews | To assess what duties you can safely perform while recovering. |
| Long-term impact assessment | To evaluate how your injury may affect your future earning capacity, daily life, and career prospects. |
| Rehabilitation progress checks | To monitor whether you are improving as expected, and whether your current rehabilitation plan is appropriate. |
Sometimes, an IME is used to determine whether your injury is genuinely related to your workplace or the incident you are claiming for. This is particularly common in cases involving repetitive strain injuries, gradual onset injuries, or psychological claims.
It’s important to remember: while “independent” sounds reassuring, WorkCover or the insurer chooses the doctor and pays them. That doesn’t automatically make them biased, but it does mean their role is different from your treating doctor’s, and you should approach the appointment strategically.
Do I really have to attend an IME?
Under Queensland law, you are required to attend an IME if requested. Ignoring the notice is not an option.
- For workers’ compensation claims, section 282 of the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld) gives insurers the right to arrange these assessments.
- For CTP claims, section 46A of the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 (Qld) includes similar provisions.
- For public liability claims, section 25 of the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act 2002 (Qld) provides similar provisions.
There is some flexibility if you have a genuine, unavoidable reason for not attending. Acceptable reasons, known as “reasonable excuses”, may include:
- Medical emergencies requiring immediate attention
- Unforeseen family crises
- Conflicting medical treatments that make attendance physically impossible
But let’s make it clear: feeling nervous about the appointment or thinking it’s unfair does not count as a reasonable excuse. If you cannot attend, contact your lawyer before missing it. Skipping an IME without notice can seriously damage your claim – and you will be hit with a nasty non-attendance fee (normally in excess of $1k!)
What if I missed my IME?
Failing to attend without a reasonable excuse can have immediate and serious consequences. Insurers can suspend:
- Weekly income replacement payments, which cover your lost wages
- Medical and treatment costs necessary for recovery
- Rehabilitation services, designed to help you return to work
Suspension lasts until you attend the exam, potentially leaving you without financial support at a critical time. Repeated non-attendance can also damage your credibility. This makes it look like you are avoiding scrutiny.
In addition, insurance companies and courts notice non-compliance. Missing an IME without a valid reason is like refusing to step onto the field—you simply can’t win if you don’t play.
What happens during an Independent Medical Examination?
Take note that you will receive written notice at least 10 working days in advance, including:
- The specialist doctor’s name and qualifications
- Appointment time and location
- Purpose of the examination
- Any items or documents you need to bring
The appointment usually follows a structured process:
- Records review: The doctor studies all medical records provided by the insurer, including scans, test results, and reports from your treating doctors.
- Interview: You’ll be asked detailed questions about your injury, symptoms, daily functioning, and work capacity.
- Physical examination: The doctor assesses your injury firsthand. This can include range of motion tests, reflex checks, and observing you performing everyday movements relevant to your injury.
The process typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of your injuries. Unlike your regular doctor, the IME doctor will not provide treatment advice or prescribe medications. Their sole purpose is to assess and report back to the insurer.
How do I prepare for the IME?
1. Confirm the appointment
Respond immediately when you receive the notice to avoid administrative issues or delays.
2. Gather documentation
Bring anything that could help accurately show your injury:
- Recent scans (X-rays, MRI, CT)
- Medication lists with dosages and frequency
- Treatment records from all healthcare providers
- Notes on rehabilitation progress
3. Make personal notes
Prepare a timeline of your injury, treatments you’ve tried, and how symptoms affect daily life. Reviewing these notes before the appointment ensures you don’t forget important details.
4. Dress Appropriately
Clothing can make a big difference:
- Loose clothes for easy access to injured areas
- Shorts or sleeveless tops for limb injuries
- Slip-on shoes for foot injuries
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to complete paperwork, relax, and mentally prepare.
What are my rights during an IME?
Queensland law protects certain rights during the process:
- You can understand the purpose of the examination and how the results will be used.
- You may bring a support person (usually in the waiting area).
- You are allowed to take notes on questions and procedures.
However, there are limits:
- No recording without permission—this breaches privacy laws.
- You must answer relevant questions honestly.
- Avoid exaggerating or minimising symptoms; accuracy is key.
So, remember: independent medical examiners see many injured people daily and are trained to detect inconsistencies. Being honest ensures your claim is credible.
After the examination
The IME doctor typically prepares a detailed report within 2–6 weeks and sends it straight to the insurer. This report usually covers:
- Diagnosis: Nature and severity of your injuries
- Causation: Connection between the injury and the claimed incident
- Prognosis: Expected recovery and long-term effects
- Work capacity: What duties you can safely perform
- Treatment recommendations: Necessity and appropriateness of proposed care
You are entitled under Queensland law to access this report through your insurer or treating doctor. If the IME opinion conflicts with your treating doctor, additional assessments or legal steps may be necessary.
What if I disagree with my IME report?
You can challenge it. This might include obtaining a second medical opinion, requesting a peer review, or having your lawyer raise concerns with WorkCover or the insurer. The goal is to ensure your claim accurately reflects the true impact of your injuries.
Common concerns about IMEs
Bias
It’s normal to worry that an insurer-selected doctor might be conservative in their findings. While some bias is possible, most specialists maintain professional standards. If you experience unprofessional behaviour, document it immediately and notify your lawyer.
Privacy
IME doctors can ask about pre-existing conditions, prior injuries, and lifestyle factors. You must answer truthfully, but it’s reasonable to ask how certain questions relate to your claim.
Judgement
Some people fear that admitting ongoing pain will make them seem like complainers. In fact, honest reporting gives the most accurate picture of your injury. Exaggerating or downplaying symptoms can damage your credibility.
Handling problems during the IME
If an IME feels inappropriate or uncomfortable:
- Speak up immediately
- Leave if necessary
- Document the experience thoroughly
- Contact your lawyer
For workers’ compensation issues, contact WorkCover Queensland. For CTP claims, contact the Motor Accident Insurance Commission. Professional misconduct can also be reported to AHPRA.
Why IMEs are critical to your claim
IME reports are often pivotal evidence in settlements or court proceedings. Positive findings can strengthen your negotiating position, while negative findings may require further evidence or expert opinions.
Preparation can make tens of thousands of dollars’ difference in your final compensation. To maximise your claim, you must understand what to expect, how to describe your symptoms clearly, and understand what the physical assessment will involve.
We’ve got your back
Compensation claims can be confusing and exhausting—and insurers often hope you’ll get worn down. We don’t play that game. You’re not just a file; you’re a person, and we treat your claim that way.
Having worked for insurers, we know how claims are assessed and how IME reports can influence decisions. Now, we use that experience to fight for Queenslanders.
Here’s how we support you:
- A senior lawyer manages your case from start to finish—no hand-offs, no confusion.
- We guide you through every step and ensure your claim reflects the real impact of your injuries.
- No win, no fee with all costs covered upfront.
- We’re available 24/7 for any questions or concerns (yes, even at 2 am!)
- We’ll come to you anywhere in Queensland—at home, in hospital, or wherever you need us.
If something happened to you at work, on the road, or in a public place, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our expert Compensation Lawyers today.
