Independent medical examinations (IMEs) are requested by the department or the self-insurer. Generally, IMEs are ordered for one or more of the following reasons, including, but not limited to:

(1) Establish a diagnosis;

(2) Outline a program of treatment;

(3) Evaluate what, if any, conditions are related to the claimed industrial injury or occupational disease/illness;

(4) Determine whether an industrial injury or occupational disease/illness has aggravated a preexisting condition and the extent or duration of that aggravation;

(5) Establish when the accepted industrial injury or occupational disease/illness has reached maximum medical improvement;

(6) Establish an impairment rating;

(7) Evaluate whether the industrial injury or occupational disease/illness has worsened; or

(8) Evaluate the worker's mental and/or physical restrictions as well as the worker's ability to work.