Source: https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/workers-compensation-claims-guide/insurer-guidance/medical-and-related-services/independent-medical-examinations
Timestamp: 2020-08-14 20:35:31
Document Index: 65096210

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 7', 'art 7', 'art 7', 'art 7', 'art 7', 'art 7', 'art 7', 'art 7', 'art 7', 'art 7', 'art 7']

GN 6.8 Independent medical examinations | SIRA: Workers compensation claims management guide
An independent medical examination is an assessment conducted by an appropriately qualified and experienced medical practitioner to help resolve an issue regarding injury or claims management. An insurer may direct a worker receiving weekly payments of compensation to attend an independent medical examination.
the mandatory requirements for insurers when referring a worker for an independent medical examination (IME)
communication with the independent medical examiner
conduct of an independent medical examiner
complaints about independent medical examiners.
Mandatory insurer requirements when using an independent medical examination
Part 7 of the Workers compensation guidelines (the Guidelines) specifies the requirements for arranging independent medical examinations.
The mandatory obligations for insurers when they require a worker to attend an IME outlined in the Guidelines deal with:
the reason for referral, including that referral for an IME is appropriate when information from the treating medical practitioner(s) is inadequate, unavailable or inconsistent, and the referrer is unable to resolve the problem directly with the practitioners (see part 7.1 of the Guidelines)
qualified and appropriate independent medical examiners (see part 7.2 of the Guidelines)
conflict of interest (see part 7.3 of the Guidelines)
special requirements, which may include the location of the IME and relevant travel restrictions (see part 7.4 of the Guidelines)
notification to the worker and what is to be included in the written advice to the worker (see part 7.5 of the Guidelines)
further independent medical examinations (see part 7.6 of the Guidelines)
unreasonable request (see part 7.7 of the Guidelines)
Note: During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, independent medical examinations may be conducted by video consultation, where it is appropriate to do so. The COVID-19 pandemic is identified as a ‘special circumstance’ under Part 7.4 of the Guidelines.
Under Part 7.7 of the Guidelines, the insurer is to consider whether the requirement to attend an independent medical examination is reasonable, having regard to amendments to existing laws and public health orders made in response to COVID-19.
When considering treatment requests, the insurer is expected to work collaboratively with the worker and their treating practitioner(s). If the insurer is concerned that the treatment requested will not lead to optimal health outcomes, they should discuss this with the treating practitioner in the first instance.
If the issue remains unresolved, a second opinion may be considered and offered to the worker before a referral for an independent medical examination. The referral for a second opinion is to be made by the nominated treating doctor.
Whenever possible, the insurer should contact the worker first by phone to discuss the need for an independent medical examination.
An independent medical examination should be considered after these steps have been taken.
The insurer should provide the independent medical examiner with adequate and relevant information to support the referral. This includes:
a detailed reason for referral, with tailored questions the insurer requires to be addressed
contact details of the worker and nominated treating doctor
relevant documentation from the case file to help the examiner’s understanding of the claim and to assist in answering the questions to be addressed. Relevant documents may include:
certificate/s of capacity
reports of treating practitioners (doctor(s), allied health)
radiological films/reports where applicable
rehabilitation and functional assessment reports
job descriptions and duty statements
details of work with other employers and details of other settlements or awards.
Documents should be provided to the independent medical examiner at least ten working days before the arranged appointment. They should be provided in a manner that facilitates review by the independent medical examiner. This means attachments, grouped according to information type and in chronological order, with no duplicate reports or information.
Independent medical examiners are not able to order additional radiological or similar investigations, so the results of all existing relevant investigations are to be made available to the independent medical examiner.
The NSW Medical Board’s Guidelines for medico-legal consultations and examinations provide principles for independent medical examiner conduct during examinations.
If the worker provides the independent medical examiner with any additional information at the time of the examination, this information is to be noted in the examiner's report.
Consideration should be given to releasing the report to the worker as a matter of course (see Standard of practice S2. Worker access to personal information).
If the worker requests a copy of the report under the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 the insurer is required to comply with the relevant legislation and may be required to release the report (unless one of the exemptions apply).
If the insurer feels that the release of the report could be detrimental to the worker’s wellbeing, they are to advise the worker in writing that they can talk to their nominated treating doctor regarding the contents of the report.
The insurer is encouraged to talk with the worker about the action being taken following receipt of the examiner’s report. This might be to advise that a liability decision has been made, or to advise no further action is required.
Fees for independent medical examinations are set out in the latest Fees Order. The Fees Order specifies:
what various services include.
The degree of complexity of the examination and the fee payable should be agreed with the independent medical examiner when making the appointment.
Invoices should be submitted within 30 calendar days of the examination (see also Insurer guidance GN 4.3 Invoices and reimbursements).
Insurers should always attempt to resolve an issue with an invoice, rather than decline to pay the invoice without first seeking clarification.
Complaints about independent medical examiners
Complaints about the conduct of independent medical examiners should be made to the referrer in the first instance.
If a complainant is dissatisfied with the referrer’s response, they can contact:
SIRA on 13 10 50
the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) on 1800 043 159
the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) on 1300 419 495.
Workers Compensation Guidelines - Part 7: Independent medical examinations and reports