The Role of an Independent Medical Examiner (IME) WorkSafe Victoria
When a workplace injury or illness occurs, navigating the workers’ compensation process can be complex. One key part of that process in Victoria is the Independent Medical Examination (IME), conducted by an Independent Medical Examiner (IME). These assessments play a crucial role in supporting recovery, treatment decisions and safe return to work.
What is an Independent Medical Examiner?
An Independent Medical Examiner (IME) is a health professional approved by WorkSafe Victoria to provide an independent medical opinion relating to a worker’s injury, illness, treatment and work capacity. IMEs are not treating doctors and do not provide treatment; instead, they offer objective medical assessments to assist in claim and rehabilitation decisions.
IME professionals can include a range of registered health practitioners, such as:
Medical practitioners
Physiotherapists
Chiropractors
Osteopaths
Dentists
Clinical Psychologists
(Other Allied Health professionals may also be approved depending on the issue.)
Although IMEs are paid by WorkSafe agents or self-insurers, they are independent of these organisations and of your usual treating practitioners.
Why Are Independent Medical Examinations Conducted?
WorkSafe may request an IME for several reasons, including:
Clarifying the nature and extent of an injury or illness: To understand the medical condition more fully when there is uncertainty or insufficient information.
Assessing work capacity: To determine what work a person can safely undertake during recovery.
Supporting treatment and rehabilitation planning: Providing evidence that assists in decisions about necessary treatment or further rehabilitation.
Assisting in compensation decisions: Examining whether a claim should continue and informing decisions about weekly payments, medical and like services.
WorkSafe, its agents, or self-insurers may require you to attend an IME at reasonable intervals during the life of your claim. If you are asked to attend and do not, this can affect your entitlement to payments or services.
What Happens During an IME?
Independent Medical Examinations are arranged by your claims agent. You will be notified of the appointment and asked to attend, either:
In person, at the IME’s practice location
Or via telehealth, where available and appropriate
The examiner will review your medical history and relevant documents, conduct an assessment, and answer specific questions set by the agent. The findings are documented in a written report.
Following the examination, the IME must provide a written report to the referring agent within a specified timeframe. These reports are used to support decision-making about treatment, return to work and compensability.
Independence and Service Standards
IME practitioners are required to comply with WorkSafe’s service standards and professional regulations. They must:
Be appropriately registered and qualified under Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Law;
Provide evidence-based, impartial opinions;
Adhere to timeliness and reporting standards.
WorkSafe’s service standards are designed to ensure transparency, fairness and quality in the independent medical examination process.
Your Rights and Complaint Options
If you have concerns about the conduct of an IME or the content of a report, there are processes for raising these with WorkSafe. Complaints may relate to inappropriate conduct, reporting issues or procedural matters and should be directed through WorkSafe’s complaints channels.
Preparing You for an IME
If you’ve been asked to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) under WorkSafe Victoria, it’s completely normal to feel anxious, uncertain, or overwhelmed. Many people tell us the process feels intimidating-particularly when their claim, treatment, or income may feel like it’s “on the line”. Speak to us about sessions to support you through the process.
