Specialist Medical Examinations
Impartial psychiatric, neuropsychological and occupational health examinations, IMEs, medical reviews and peer reviews. Objective medical evidence for claims, absence and fitness-for-work decisions.
What it is
Specialist medical examinations provide an objective clinical opinion when a claim, absence or fitness-for-work decision rests on the medical evidence. Each examination is carried out by an impartial specialist and results in a detailed written report.
The service covers psychiatric examinations, neuropsychological assessments, occupational health examinations and independent medical examinations (IMEs). It also includes medical review, where a Form Health occupational health physician acts as chief medical officer for organisations that do not have one, and peer review of submitted medico-legal reports.
Form Health is an independent assessment provider established in 1999. Depending on the examination, appointments can be arranged face-to-face or remotely.
Who it is for
Insurers and claims managers use these examinations when the medical evidence on a claim is out of date, conflicting or inconclusive, or when the individual has not yet seen a specialist or is on a lengthy waiting list. The medical review service suits organisations that cannot call on a chief medical officer of their own, and peer review supports case managers who need to challenge the content of a medico-legal report.
Employers, HR teams and occupational health providers refer where fitness for work is in question. Occupational health examinations give guidance on incapacity and ill-health retirement, complex long-term sickness absence, and capability and disciplinary issues.
What is involved
Most examinations follow the same broad pattern: a review of the individual's medical records, a clinical interview or examination, and a written report. Psychiatric examinations establish whether a mental health condition is present, how severe it is and how it affects daily life and work, and sometimes include psychological testing. Neuropsychological assessments are conducted by licensed neuropsychologists, who use standardised tests and clinical observation to measure working memory, attention, executive function, language and visuospatial abilities.
Occupational health examinations are conducted by a physician in occupational medicine and assess the employee's health in relation to their work. Independent medical examinations involve a thorough review of medical records, a comprehensive examination and a detailed report on the extent of the current injury or illness. Psychiatric examinations can be undertaken remotely; neuropsychological and occupational health examinations can be face-to-face or remote.
For medical review, the physician evaluates medical records, diagnostic tests and treatment plans, flags inconsistencies or anomalies that could affect a claim, and works alongside claims assessors. For peer review, an expert in interpreting medical evidence examines the submitted report and prepares the documents needed to challenge it.
What the referrer receives
Every examination produces a detailed report with clear conclusions. Psychiatric reports identify barriers to returning to work and often recommend workplace accommodations or modifications. Occupational health reports are employer focused, giving definitive advice to assist HR, including guidance on incapacity and ill-health retirement. IME reports set out the extent of the injury or illness objectively, supporting fair and accurate legal, insurance and occupational health decisions.
Peer review delivers three documents: a set of questions for the report author, a suggested letter of concerns for the opposing representatives, and a complete summary of the case. The wording can be used verbatim or adapted. Related services include a forensic review of medical records, which summarises relevant entries, gaps and contradictions, plus second opinion reports, desktop reviews, and medico-legal reports and joint opinions.
Questions referrers ask
When is an independent medical examination worth commissioning?
An IME is useful when the individual has not yet attended a consultant or specialist, is on a lengthy waiting list, or has not been reviewed recently, so the information on file is out of date. It is also valuable when the medical evidence is conflicting or inconclusive and more information is needed to assess the claim.
Can examinations be carried out remotely?
Often, yes. Psychiatric examinations can be undertaken remotely, and both neuropsychological assessments and occupational health examinations can be arranged either face-to-face or remotely.
What does the peer review service provide?
Three main documents: a set of questions for the report author, a suggested letter of concerns for the opposing representatives, and a complete summary of the case. Reviews are compiled by experts skilled in interpreting medical evidence, so reports can be challenged without instructing additional clinical experts, and the wording can be used verbatim or adapted to the case manager's needs.
What happens after you refer
Steps
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Refer
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Logged
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Individual contacted
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Assessment
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Report to your inbox
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Refer
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Logged
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Individual contacted
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Assessment
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Report to your inbox
Assessment client? See how vocational rehabilitation completes the claim.
An objective evaluation tells you where things stand. Our rehabilitation and case management take it from there, through to a sustained return to work.
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