Indented codes

In ICD’9’CM, codes listed after stand-alone codes whose descriptions have a dependent status. To read the description, you must first read the description of the stand-alone code that comes before the semicolon (;) and then continue with the indented description listed by the subsequent code (indented code).

Independent laboratory

Freestanding clinical laboratory that meets conditions for participation in the Medicare program and bills through a carrier. It is not connected with a hospital, clinic, or physician’s office. It is certified to perform diagnostic and/or clinical tests independent of an institution or a physician’s office.

independent medical evaluator (IME)

Physician who is certified by the Industrial Medical Council (IMC) and conducts medicolegal evaluations of injured workers in workers’ compensation cases for insurance companies or workers’ compensation appeals board. IMEs render an unbiased opinion about the degree of disability of an injured worker. In addition to workers’ compensation cases, sometimes an IME is required for disability insurance, liability lawsuit, or other legal proceedings. May be referred to as agreed medical evaluator (AME) or qualified medical evaluator (QME) .

independent medical examiner (IME)

Physicians who make examinations of individuals, independent of the attending physician, and render an unbiased opinion regarding the degree of disability of a worker. IMEs are appointed by the referee or appeals board at state expense when a judge thinks additional medical evidence is necessary to provide a basis for a decision on an issue presented by the involved parties.