IME Reports: The Dos and Don’ts

Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) Reports contain an individual’s personal information but they differ from medical reports on the accounts that they aren’t generated during the course of a person’s treatment, rather they’re compiled by physicians who offer his or her perspective of their ‘patients’ condition or medical needs.

That’s why, it’s important that IME reports are meticulously correct as they’re not necessarily backed by medical records. Similarly, they also need to be accurate because unlike medical records they can be accessed by individuals, provided they ask for it.

Therefore, there are certain dos and don’ts that pertain to generating IME Reports to avoid legal and medical complication:

The Don’ts

Don’t be Vague or Ambiguous:

An IME Report is a professional statement that can be used as a legal document. There’s no space for any uncertainty or use of unclear terms that can question the integrity of the report. It should show absolute confidence in what’s stated. Any words that might indicate ambiguity, such as “perhaps”, “probably”, “may”, should be avoided.

Don’t Make Contradictory or Absolute Statements:

As an examiner you might believe that you know your field better than the examinee and you could be right as well, but peppering your IME Report with absolutes like, “you must” or “definitely” isn’t wise if you’re absolutely sure about something.

Similarly, beware of making contradictions in your report, because even if there’s one statement that negates to the other it can render your whole report invalid.

The Dos

Do Keep Your Report Concise, Straightforward and Simple:

Using clear and uncomplicated words in your IME Reports is good for both you and the readers. It keeps things straightforward and doesn’t leave the window open for any uncertainty or vagueness.

Do Define Terms and Jargons:

It’s a major possibility that the reader of your IME Reports isn’t as medically advanced as you are. Therefore it’s always recommended to use layman terms and phrases and in events where medical terminology has to be used, make sure you define it in detail and not use abbreviations or jargons.

Do Focus on the Quality of Your IME Reports:

When it comes to the quality of your IME Reports, you should never compromise because it can pose a question on your report’s credibility and by extension to your expertise as a physician. In order to prevent that, always turn to professional transcription services for your IME Reports.

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We’re one of Canada’s leading medico legal transcription companies, and have been in the business since 2000. We can provide you with quality IME transcriptions as well as legal and academic transcriptions. To avail our services, contact now.