An independent medical evaluation (IME) is typically performed in the context of disability determination. When performed by psychologists or neuropsychologists they are more appropriately referred to as independent psychological evaluations (IPEs) or independent neuropsychological evaluations (INEs). These evaluations are often requested by attorneys, insurers, or disability claims processors.   

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The purpose of a neuropsychological IME is to provide an objective assessment of a claimant’s cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning to assist in making decisions about disability in associated legal proceedings. These evaluations typically involve a comprehensive assessment of the claimant’s cognitive functioning, including attention, memory, language, visual perception, problem-solving, and executive functioning. In addition, the evaluation may include assessments of emotional functioning, personality, and behavior. A critical component of these evaluations is the assessment of feigning or malingering.