Section 296-23-347 - What are the independent medical examination (IME) provider's responsibilities in an examination?(1) The IME provider's responsibilities prior to the examination are to: (a) Be familiar with the contents of the medical examiner's handbook;(b) Review all claim documents provided by the department or self-insured employer;(c) Contact the worker prior to the examination to confirm the appointment date, time and location; and(d) Review the purpose of the examination and the questions to be answered in the examination report.(2) The IME provider's responsibilities during the examination are to: (a) Introduce himself or herself to the worker;(b) Verify the identity of the worker;(c) Let the worker know that the claim documents from the department or self-insurer have been reviewed;(d) Explain the examination process and answer the worker's questions about the examination process;(e) Advise the worker that he/she should not perform any activities beyond their physical capabilities;(f) Allow the worker to remain fully dressed while taking the history;(g) Ensure adequate draping and privacy if the worker needs to remove clothing for the examination;(h) Refrain from expressing personal opinions about the worker, the employer, the attending doctor, or the care the worker has received;(i) Conduct an examination that is unbiased, sound and sufficient to achieve the purpose and reason the examination was requested;(j) Conduct the examination with dignity and respect for the worker;(k) Ask if there is any further information the worker would like to provide; and(l) Close the examination by telling the worker that the examination is over.(3) The IME provider's responsibilities following the examination are to: (a) Send a complete IME report to the department or self-insurer within fourteen calendar days of the examination date, or within fourteen calendar days of receipt of the results of any special tests or studies requested as a part of the examination. Reports received after fourteen calendar days may be paid at a lower rate per the fee schedule. The report must meet the requirements of WAC 296-23-382; and(b) The claim file information received from the department or self-insurer should be disposed of in a manner used for similar health records containing private information after completion of the IME or any follow-up test results are received. IME reports should be retained per WAC 296-20-02005.Wash. Admin. Code § 296-23-347
Statutory Authority: RCW 51.32.055, 51.32.112, 51.32.114, 51.36.060, and 51.36.070. 04-04-029, § 296-23-347, filed 1/27/04, effective 3/1/04.