News and Updates

Co-morbidities occur when physical and psychological conditions overlap and influence one another. In claims environments, this combination is more common than many realize - and it can significantly affect recovery timelines, work capacity, and return-to-work outcomes.

Invisible disabilities - such as chronic pain, post-concussion symptoms, PTSD, cognitive fatigue, or anxiety disorders - often don’t present with obvious physical markers.

Navigating a workers’ compensation claim can feel overwhelming. There are forms, deadlines, follow-ups, and plenty of uncertainty. One of the most important pieces of the puzzle - yet often misunderstood - is the Independent Medical Examination (IME) report.

As the holiday season approaches, Canadian workplaces and insurers often find themselves juggling more than just gift lists and office parties. For many, it’s also a busy time for insurance and disability claims. 

Disability can bring uncertainty for everyone involved. Our Disability Management Services (DMS) provide a clear, structured approach to assessing needs, planning care, and supporting safe independence. 

Short-term and long-term disability claims require very different assessment approaches - and the IMEs that support them do too.

In the world of insurance, workplace claims, and legal cases, medical information is at the heart of decision-making. But when it comes to complex cases, it’s not always practical - or necessary - to conduct a full in-person IME right away. 

Canada is a vast country, filled with breathtaking landscapes, small communities, and remote regions. But for people living outside major cities, accessing healthcare - including Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs) and assessments - can be challenging.

As part of our ongoing efforts to deepen understanding around trauma and reconciliation, we spoke with Dr. Carolyn Wilkes, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and mental health policy expert, about her experiences working with Indigenous communities across Canada.

Returning to work after an illness or injury can feel overwhelming - for both employees and employers. At Direct IME, we help bridge the gap between recovery and work by providing objective, thorough evaluations that guide safe and sustainable reintegration into the workplace.