Purpose of the examination

Who conducts the examination?

An independent medical examination is an examination of your condition conducted by a specialist medical practitioner or allied health professional.

The IME will talk to you about your condition and may need to conduct a physical examination of your injuries.

The IME will write a report which goes to the TAC.

The report helps the TAC understand what is needed to support your recovery, rehabilitation and ability to work. The report may also be used to help inform a decision about your entitlement to weekly payments and medical and like services.

IMEs are required to provide their independent opinion

IMEs are healthcare professionals engaged by the TAC with the specific purpose of providing their independent opinion about your condition.

IMEs are not employees or representatives of the TAC. However, they are paid by the TAC to examine injured clients and to provide an independent medical report.

IMEs have to be experienced specialists in their fields, understand trauma and transport accident injuries and be engaged in active clinical practice.

What to expect at the examination

At the examination, the doctor may ask you questions about your medical history. You may be asked about your accident, the injuries you sustained, your current problems and your health prior to the accident.

Depending on your type of injury, the doctor may undertake a physical examination. The examination may last anywhere from a half hour to more than an hour, depending on the injury or condition.

For impairment examinations, the examination is conducted by a doctor who has undertaken Government-approved training to conduct impairment assessments.

Using guidelines prescribed by law, the doctor measures the effect of each injury on the normal functions of the body and then gives a percentage rating to each impairment.

Impairment examinations

An impairment is a permanent physical or psychological condition caused by your transport accident injury.

Depending on your level of impairment, you may be entitled to a lump-sum payment from the TAC. To work out your impairment rating, you will be asked to attend an impairment examination where a specialised doctor tests the functions of your body to understand any permanent problems from your injuries.

If you have more than one injury, you may be required to attend several different impairment examinations. This is because each doctor specialises in a different field.

It’s important to remember that the examination will be very different to a visit to your family doctor or medical specialist. For example, it is not the role of the examiner to provide you with direct advice about treatment of your injuries.

Don’t be concerned if you’re not asked certain questions about your injuries, or asked to provide information, as most examinations are strictly clinical assessments of your injuries.

Some people find the examination difficult and impersonal because of this clinical focus. Try to remember that this is quite normal and any issues about your injuries can be discussed with your regular doctor.


Purpose of the examination Who conducts the examination? An independent medical examination is an examination of your condition conducted by a specialist medical practitioner or allied health professional. The IME will talk to you about your condition and may need to conduct a physical examination of your injuries. The IME will write a report which goes to the TAC. The report helps the TAC understand what is needed to support your recovery, rehabilitation and ability to work. The report may also be used to help inform a decision about your entitlement to weekly payments and medical and like services. IMEs are required to provide their independent opinion IMEs are healthcare professionals engaged by the TAC with the specific purpose of providing their independent opinion about your condition. IMEs are not employees or representatives of the TAC. However, they are paid by the TAC to examine injured clients and to provide an independent medical report. IMEs have to be experienced specialists in their fields, understand trauma and transport accident injuries and be engaged in active clinical practice. What to expect at the examination At the examination, the doctor may ask you questions about your medical history. You may be asked about your accident, the injuries you sustained, your current problems and your health prior to the accident. Depending on your type of injury, the doctor may undertake a physical examination. The examination may last anywhere from a half hour to more than an hour, depending on the injury or condition. For impairment examinations, the examination is conducted by a doctor who has undertaken Government-approved training to conduct impairment assessments. Using guidelines prescribed by law, the doctor measures the effect of each injury on the normal functions of the body and then gives a percentage rating to each impairment. Impairment examinations An impairment is a permanent physical or psychological condition caused by your transport accident injury. Depending on your level of impairment, you may be entitled to a lump-sum payment from the TAC. To work out your impairment rating, you will be asked to attend an impairment examination where a specialised doctor tests the functions of your body to understand any permanent problems from your injuries. If you have more than one injury, you may be required to attend several different impairment examinations. This is because each doctor specialises in a different field. It’s important to remember that the examination will be very different to a visit to your family doctor or medical specialist. For example, it is not the role of the examiner to provide you with direct advice about treatment of your injuries. Don’t be concerned if you’re not asked certain questions about your injuries, or asked to provide information, as most examinations are strictly clinical assessments of your injuries. Some people find the examination difficult and impersonal because of this clinical focus. Try to remember that this is quite normal and any issues about your injuries can be discussed with your regular doctor.