independent medical evaluation

in·de·pen·dent med·i·cal e·val·u·a·tion

(IME) (in'dĕ-pen'dĕnt med'i-kăl ĕ-val'yū-ā-shŭn) Used by insurers to determine a patient's diagnosis, need for continued treatment, degree and permanency of disability, or ability to return to work.