What Is an Independent Medical Examination or IME? IME's or independent medical examinations are medical evaluations used to resolve questions about patients medical conditions, including treatments required, as well as the degree of the patient's impairment. An IME is typically requested by an insurance company, when there is a question about what treatment is needed or as to what disability rating should be endorsed. Sometimes a judge or hearing officer assigned to a case may also order an IME to resolve any disputed issues related to the case.