If your long-term disability insurer asks you to attend an independent medical examination in Alberta, your eligibility for benefits is being closely reviewed.

An independent medical examination—commonly called an IME or independent medical assessment—is an examination arranged to give the insurer another opinion about your condition and ability to work.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta uses the term non-treating medical examination, or NTME, because the examiner isn’t providing ongoing medical care.

The insurance company normally chooses the examiner, provides the assessment instructions and medical records, pays for the examination and receives the report.

⚠️ Don’t refuse an IME without legal advice. If your LTD policy requires you to attend a reasonable insurer-requested examination, refusing can put your benefits at risk.

This page deals with examinations requested for private and workplace long-term disability claims. It doesn’t address assessments conducted through WCB Alberta or motor vehicle injury proceedings.

For a broader overview, read our national guide to independent medical examinations and LTD claims.

On This Page:

What Is an Independent Medical Examination in Alberta?

An independent medical examination is an assessment performed by a doctor who isn’t responsible for your ongoing treatment.

The insurer normally requests the examination to obtain an opinion about:

  • Your diagnosis and symptoms

  • Your medical restrictions and functional limitations

  • Whether your condition prevents you from performing your occupation

  • Whether you have received appropriate treatment

  • Whether your condition has improved

  • Whether you can return to work

  • Whether you can perform another occupation after the change of definition

  • Whether further treatment, rehabilitation or testing is recommended

The examiner reviews the information provided by the insurer, interviews or examines you and prepares a written report.

The insurance company can then use that report to approve, continue, deny or terminate your LTD benefits.

💡 An IME isn’t a second medical opinion obtained for your benefit. It is evidence gathered for the insurer’s assessment of your disability claim.

Private LTD IMEs Are Different From Other Alberta Assessments

The term IME or NTME is used in several different Alberta systems.

An examination connected to private long-term disability insurance isn’t automatically governed by the same procedures as:

  • A WCB Alberta medical examination

  • An examination under the Alberta Rules of Court

  • A motor vehicle injury assessment

  • An employer occupational-health examination

  • An assessment for a government disability program

For a private or workplace LTD claim, the wording of your insurance policy is critical.

The policy normally determines whether the insurer can require an examination, what cooperation is expected and what can happen if you refuse.

For more information about income-replacement benefits, visit our Long-Term Disability Alberta guide.

What Rules Apply to IME Doctors in Alberta?

Physicians conducting non-treating medical examinations in Alberta are regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.

An Alberta physician conducting an IME must:

  • Treat you under the same ethical obligations that apply to other patients

  • Provide an objective and scientifically sound report

  • Understand the contractual or legal authority for the examination

  • Disclose any previous involvement in your medical care

  • Disclose relationships with the insurer beyond the ordinary fee arrangement

  • Obtain informed consent for the examination and diagnostic procedures

  • Obtain consent to release the report

  • Avoid establishing an ongoing treating relationship with you

  • Retain the required examination records for at least 10 years

The Examiner Must Explain Their Role

The physician should explain that:

  • The examination was requested by a third party

  • The physician isn’t acting as your treating doctor

  • The findings and opinions will be reported to the insurer

  • The examination can affect decisions about disability, rehabilitation or benefits

  • The physician doesn’t make the final decision about your LTD claim

What Does Informed Consent Mean at an Alberta IME?

The examiner must obtain informed consent for:

  • The medical examination

  • Any diagnostic procedures or testing

  • The release of the resulting report

Before you consent, the physician should explain:

  • Who requested the examination

  • The purpose of the assessment

  • The medical questions being explored

  • The areas or body systems that will be examined

  • Who will receive the report

  • How the report can affect your disability claim

You can ask questions before signing a consent form.

You can also withdraw consent before the examination is complete. However, the physician must then stop the assessment, and the insurer can argue that you failed to cooperate with the LTD claim process.

⚠️ Don’t refuse or withdraw consent without legal advice. The medical consent issue and your contractual obligation to cooperate with the insurer are connected but separate.

Do You Have to Attend an LTD IME in Alberta?

You generally have to attend a reasonable IME when your LTD policy gives the insurer the right to request one.

Refusing or failing to cooperate can lead the insurer to:

  • Suspend your monthly payments

  • Delay its decision on your application

  • Deny your LTD claim

  • Terminate benefits that were already approved

  • Claim that you failed to comply with the insurance policy

The insurer’s right to request an assessment isn’t unlimited.

The request should be reviewed carefully when:

  • The examiner’s specialty doesn’t relate to your medical condition

  • The insurer requests repeated or duplicative examinations

  • The proposed testing could aggravate your condition

  • The appointment is unreasonably long

  • Travel creates a serious medical or accessibility problem

  • The insurer refuses a medically necessary accommodation

Raise concerns in writing and obtain support from your treating doctor where appropriate.

Don’t simply miss the appointment or tell the insurer that you won’t attend.

Is an Alberta IME Doctor Truly Independent?

The examiner must provide an objective and impartial opinion, but the insurance company controls important parts of the process.

The insurer normally:

  • Selects the examiner or assessment company

  • Pays for the examination

  • Chooses the records provided to the physician

  • Prepares the questions the examiner must answer

  • Receives the completed report

You don’t normally choose the examiner or help prepare the referral instructions.

The physician should not accept an assignment where there is an expectation that the report will favour the insurance company.

The report should also:

  • Identify the source and purpose of the referral

  • Explain the information that was reviewed

  • Avoid factual errors and unsupported assumptions

  • Identify missing or outdated information

  • Explain how missing information limits the opinion

  • Remain within the examiner’s expertise

What Records Does the Alberta IME Examiner Receive?

The insurance company normally prepares the package of information sent to the examiner.

It can include:

  • Clinical notes and medical reports

  • Specialist consultation reports

  • Diagnostic imaging and test results

  • Your LTD application forms

  • Your occupational or job description

  • Statements made to the insurer

  • Surveillance footage or investigator reports

  • Public social media information

  • Previous medical, functional or vocational assessments

  • The referral letter containing the insurer’s questions

Ask the insurer for:

  • The referral or instruction letter

  • The questions the examiner has been asked to answer

  • A list of the documents included in the assessment package

If important medical evidence has been omitted, identify it before the examination and ask that it be provided.

How Should You Prepare for an Alberta IME?

Confirm the Appointment Details

Ask the insurance company to confirm in writing:

  • The examiner’s name and specialty

  • The purpose of the assessment

  • The date, time and location

  • The expected duration

  • The interviews, tests or physical examination involved

  • What documents or identification you must bring

  • The accommodations that will be provided

  • The travel and attendance expenses the insurer will cover

Review Your Medical History

Be familiar with your major diagnoses, treatments, medications and changes in your symptoms.

You don’t have to memorize every date. Say that you don’t remember when you’re genuinely unsure.

Understand Your Actual Job Duties

Be prepared to explain the physical, cognitive and psychological demands of your occupation.

Focus on the duties you can’t perform safely, reliably and consistently—not simply your job title.

Request Accommodations Early

Depending on your condition, you can request:

  • Rest breaks

  • A shorter appointment or testing over more than one day

  • An accessible location

  • An interpreter

  • Scheduling that accounts for medications or symptom patterns

  • Transportation or accommodation for necessary travel

Ask your treating doctor to explain why the requested accommodation is medically necessary.

What Should You Do During the Examination?

  • Be honest: Don’t exaggerate your symptoms, but don’t minimize them to appear agreeable or optimistic.

  • Listen carefully: Ask the examiner to clarify questions you don’t understand.

  • Don’t guess: Say that you don’t know or don’t remember when that is the truthful answer.

  • Explain variability: Describe good days, bad days and the recovery time required after activity.

  • Report symptoms: Tell the examiner if testing causes pain, fatigue, dizziness, panic or another significant reaction.

  • Don’t push beyond your safe ability: You don’t need to injure yourself to prove that you tried.

The examiner can document observations made before, during and after the formal examination, including how you sit, stand, walk, complete forms and interact with staff.

Act naturally and consistently throughout the appointment.

➡️ An IME isn’t a performance. Your responsibility is to be truthful, accurate and safe during the assessment.

Can You Record an IME in Alberta?

You can ask to record an LTD IME, but an examiner conducting an assessment under an insurance contract doesn’t have to agree.

This is different from certain examinations conducted under the Alberta Rules of Court, where specific recording rights can apply.

For a private disability insurance IME:

  • Ask for permission in writing before the appointment

  • Explain whether you are requesting audio or video recording

  • Ask what conditions the examiner will impose

  • Don’t secretly record the examination

The examiner can object when recording would interfere with standardized psychological, psychiatric or neuropsychological testing.

If recording isn’t allowed, write detailed notes immediately after the appointment.

Can a Support Person Attend?

You can request a support person or chaperone, but there is no automatic right to bring a person of your choice to a private LTD IME.

This is also different from certain examinations under the Alberta Rules of Court, where a claimant can have a health professional attend as an observer.

Request support in advance when it is needed because of:

  • A cognitive or communication disability

  • Severe anxiety or trauma symptoms

  • Memory difficulties

  • Mobility or personal-care needs

  • Another documented medical concern

The examiner can provide or require a chaperone for privacy, comfort or clinical reasons.

Who Pays Travel and Attendance Costs?

The insurer arranging the examination should confirm which expenses it will pay.

Ask for written approval before incurring costs for:

  • Mileage or transportation

  • Parking

  • Flights or other long-distance travel

  • Hotel accommodation

  • Meals during extended travel

  • Accessible transportation

  • A medically required companion or attendant

Albertans outside Calgary and Edmonton can be asked to travel significant distances to see a specialist selected by the insurer.

If travel would aggravate your condition or require an unreasonable trip, ask for:

  • An examiner closer to your community

  • A virtual assessment where appropriate

  • Accessible transportation

  • An overnight stay

  • Another medically reasonable arrangement

Support the request with information from your treating doctor and don’t simply miss the appointment.

Psychological and Psychiatric IMEs in Alberta

Mental health LTD claims can involve an assessment by a psychologist, psychiatrist or both.

Psychological IME

A psychological assessment can involve an interview and standardized testing concerning:

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Trauma-related symptoms

  • Memory and concentration

  • Cognitive functioning

  • Response consistency and test validity

Psychiatric IME

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can provide opinions about diagnosis, medication, treatment, symptoms and work capacity.

The psychiatrist can ask detailed questions about:

  • Your medical and mental health history

  • Childhood and family experiences

  • Traumatic events

  • Relationships and social activity

  • Substance use

  • Daily routines and activities

  • Previous treatment and medication

The questions can be personal, but they should remain relevant to the stated purpose of the assessment.

Ask about the scope, proposed testing and expected duration before attending.

Can You Get a Copy of the Alberta IME Report?

Ask the insurance company—not only the examiner—for the complete report.

In a private insurance assessment, the IME doctor generally provides the report to the insurer that requested and paid for it.

The insurer can provide the report:

  • Directly to you

  • Through your treating doctor

  • To your disability lawyer

Don’t rely only on an adjuster’s summary of the conclusions. Ask for the complete report, including the examiner’s history, findings, assumptions and recommendations.

How Long Must the Examiner Keep the Records?

An Alberta physician must retain specified IME records for at least 10 years, or longer where another law requires it.

Those records include:

  • The final and interim reports

  • The informed-consent document

  • Notes of the medical history

  • Notes from the physical examination

  • Recordings made by the physician

  • A list of medical reports and other information reviewed

  • The name of anyone who attended with you

IME vs. Functional Capacity and Vocational Assessments

An IME is only one type of assessment an Alberta LTD insurer can use.

Functional Capacity Evaluation

A functional capacity evaluation, or FCE, measures your ability to perform physical or cognitive tasks.

It is often conducted by an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or another trained evaluator rather than a physician.

Read our guide to functional capacity evaluations in Canada.

Vocational Assessment

A vocational assessment considers your education, training, employment history and potential ability to perform other occupations.

It is commonly used when the LTD policy changes from the “own occupation” test to the “any occupation” test.

Transferable Skills Analysis

A transferable skills analysis, or TSA, identifies jobs that the insurer says use skills acquired through your education and previous work.

The vocational consultant can rely on restrictions taken from an IME, FCE or insurer file review.

Learn more about transferable skills analyses in disability claims.

💡 An insurer can combine an IME, FCE and TSA to build an argument that you can return to work or perform another occupation.

What Should You Do After the IME?

Write down what happened as soon as possible.

Record:

  • When the appointment began and ended

  • Who was present

  • What the examiner explained about their role

  • The questions you were asked

  • The tests or physical movements performed

  • Any breaks requested or provided

  • Symptoms experienced during the assessment

  • Symptoms or flare-ups that occurred afterward

  • Comments made by the examiner

Tell your treating doctor if the examination causes a significant physical or psychological reaction.

Ask the insurer when the report will be available and whether it intends to take any action concerning your benefits.

What if the Alberta IME Report Is Wrong?

An inaccurate or unsupported IME report can be challenged.

Potential problems include:

  • The report attributes statements to you that you didn’t make

  • The examination is described inaccurately

  • Important symptoms or limitations are omitted

  • Relevant medical records weren’t reviewed

  • The examiner relies on incorrect or unsupported assumptions

  • The examiner gives opinions outside their expertise

  • A brief activity is treated as proof that you can work full time

  • Fluctuating symptoms and recovery time aren’t considered

  • The opinions of treating professionals are dismissed without explanation

  • Missing information isn’t acknowledged

Don’t send an emotional response directly to the examiner.

Instead:

  1. Obtain the complete IME report

  2. Compare it with the notes you made after the examination

  3. List every factual error and important omission

  4. Ask your treating doctor or specialist to review the medical conclusions

  5. Obtain a written medical response where appropriate

  6. Speak with a disability lawyer before responding to the insurer

If the insurer uses the report to deny or terminate benefits, read what to do when your long-term disability claim is denied.

⚠️ A negative IME report doesn’t prove that you can work. It is one opinion that must be compared with your treatment history, functional limitations and actual occupational duties.

Can You Complain About an Alberta IME Doctor?

You can consider a complaint to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta when the physician’s conduct raises a genuine professional concern.

Examples can include allegations that the physician:

  • Failed to obtain proper informed consent

  • Failed to disclose a relevant relationship or conflict

  • Acted outside their professional expertise

  • Misrepresented what happened during the examination

  • Included demeaning, irrelevant or judgmental comments

  • Produced a report containing serious factual errors or unsupported assumptions

A CPSA complaint won’t overturn the insurance company’s decision or replace a legal claim for LTD benefits.

The CPSA reviews the physician’s professional conduct. Whether the insurer must pay disability benefits is a separate legal issue.

When Should You Contact an Alberta Disability Lawyer?

Get legal advice before the examination when:

  • The insurer is reviewing whether to continue your benefits

  • The examination is scheduled near the two-year change of definition

  • The examiner’s specialty doesn’t match your medical condition

  • Your doctor believes the proposed assessment could harm you

  • The insurer refuses a medically necessary accommodation

  • The travel requirements are unreasonable

  • The insurer has requested repeated examinations

Get advice immediately after the examination when:

  • The report contains serious errors

  • The insurer pressures you to return to work

  • Your monthly payments are suspended

  • Your LTD application is denied

  • Benefits that were already approved are terminated

An Alberta disability lawyer can review the policy, assessment instructions, IME report and medical evidence and determine the strongest way to protect your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alberta IMEs

Is a Non-Treating Medical Examination the Same as an IME?

Yes. The CPSA uses the term non-treating medical examination, or NTME. Insurers and claimants more commonly use independent medical examination or IME.

Can My Alberta LTD Insurer Require Me to Attend?

The insurer can require a reasonable examination when the LTD policy gives it that right. Refusing can jeopardize your benefits.

Does the IME Doctor Become My Treating Doctor?

No. The examiner isn’t responsible for your ongoing care and doesn’t replace your family doctor or specialist.

Can I Bring Someone With Me?

You can request a support person or chaperone, but you don’t automatically have the right to bring someone of your choice to a private LTD insurance examination.

Can I Record the IME?

You can ask, but an examiner conducting an IME under an insurance contract doesn’t have to agree. Make the request before the appointment and don’t secretly record the examination.

Can I Get a Copy of the Report?

Ask the insurer in writing for the complete report. The IME doctor generally sends it to the insurance company that requested the assessment.

Can the Insurer Request More Than One IME?

The insurer can request different examinations when additional expertise is reasonably required. Repeated, irrelevant or duplicative examinations should be questioned.

What if I’m Too Sick to Travel?

Explain the problem in writing, obtain support from your doctor and request another location, virtual assessment or reasonable travel accommodation. Don’t simply miss the appointment.

Does This Page Apply to WCB Alberta Examinations?

No. This page concerns examinations requested under private or workplace disability insurance policies. WCB examinations operate through a different system.

What Happens if the Examiner Says I Can Work?

The insurer can rely on the report to pressure you to return, deny your application or terminate benefits. The opinion can be challenged using factual corrections, medical evidence and legal action.

Get Help With an Independent Medical Examination in Alberta

An IME can become a turning point in your long-term disability claim.

Don’t treat it as a routine medical appointment or wait until the insurer uses the report to cut off your income.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP represents people with delayed, denied and terminated disability insurance claims throughout Alberta.

Our disability lawyers can review the assessment request, address unreasonable conditions, help you prepare and challenge an inaccurate report.

Contact us for a free consultation if you have been asked to attend an LTD IME or your benefits were denied after one.

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Asked to Attend an IME in Alberta?

The insurer can use the assessment to deny or terminate your LTD benefits. Get advice before the examination takes place.

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