Magnifying Glass
Female doctor having online therapy with her patient's, giving them advice while using telemedicine as a new normal during COVID 19 pandemic outbreak
Back to Workers' Compensation Daily Headlines

Quick Hit: Telemedicine for Wash. IMEs

28 Aug, 2023 Frank Ferreri

Female doctor having online therapy with her patient's, giving them advice while using telemedicine as a new normal during COVID 19 pandemic outbreak
                               

Spokane, WA (WorkersCompensation.com) -- Telemedicine has been around for years, and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became a part of the "new normal."

To clarify when telemedicine is an acceptable way to go for an independent medical examination, the State of Washington has spelled it out in a rule, which is broken down below.

In Washington, the following exams may be conducted via telehealth:

[+] Mental Health
[+] Dermatology
[+] Speech when there is no documented hearing loss
[+] Kidney function
[+] Hematopoietic system
[+] Endocrine

Terminology

In Washington, telehealth and telemedicine are used interchangeably and have the same requirements as in-person visits. Telemedicine may be appropriate to effectively conduct an IME when:

(1) Face-to-face services by a qualified medical provider can be delivered through a real-time, two-way, audio-video connection.
(2) A worker is able and willing to participate in an exam via telemedicine.
(3) The department or self-insured employer and worker have agreed that a telemedicine IME is appropriate. Additionally, the location of the worker during the exam should also be agreed upon.
(4) The agreement is documented in the claim file.
(5) A physical or hands-on exam is not required.

Additional Specialties

A telemedicine IME may be approved on a case-by-case basis for additional specialties upon:

(1) The request of the department or self-insured employer.
(2) With the agreement of the worker.

  • AI california case management case management focus claims compensability compliance compliance corner courts covid do you know the rule ethics exclusive remedy florida glossary check Healthcare health care hr homeroom insurance iowa kentucky leadership medical NCCI new jersey new york ohio opioids osha pennsylvania Safety simply research state info technology texas violence WDYT west virginia what do you think women's history month workers' comp 101 workers' recovery workers' compensation contact information Workplace Safety Workplace Violence

    • Read Also

    Wrapping Up the Workers’ Compensation Leadership Series: Elevating the Experience for Everyone Involved 

    Throughout this series, we explored the potential of various leadership styles in the workers' compensation process for claims adjusters and employers. Each leadership theory offers unique insights and practical strategies for creating supportive, empathetic, and […]
    Workers Attack Coworkers in Incidents Across Country

    Corpus Christie, TX (WorkersCompensation.com) – A recently fired restaurant employee was left fighting for his life after a former coworker attacked him. According to police in Corpus Christie, Texas, a 35-year-old Popeyes employee was found […]
    What are ‘Permanent Total Disability Benefits’ in Wyoming?

    Glossary Check Casper, WY (WorkersCompensation.com) -- Part of staying compliant with state workers' compensation law is knowing what the rules say are benefits. As Simply Research subscribers know, in Wyoming, "permanent total disability benefits" means […]

    About The Author

    • Frank Ferreri

      Frank Ferreri, M.A., J.D. covers workers' compensation legal issues. He has published books, articles, and other material on multiple areas of employment, insurance, and disability law. Frank received his master's degree from the University of South Florida and juris doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Frank encourages everyone to consider helping out the Kind Souls Foundation and Kids' Chance of America.

    More by This Author

    What are ‘Permanent Total Disability Benefits’ in Wyoming?

    Glossary Check Casper, WY (WorkersCompensation.com) -- Part of staying compliant with state workers' compensation law is knowing what the rules say are benefits. As Simply Research subscribers know, in Wyoming, "permanent total disability benefits" means […]
    N.Y. Court Nixes $480 Counsel Fee Request Related to Late Installment Penalties

    Case File An attorney for a New York workers' compensation claimant was awarded attorney's fees, but his push for an additional award that would be payable from penalties imposed in the case ran into a […]
    How Do Certified Mediators Work in Oklahoma?

    Do You Know the Rule? Tulsa, OK (WorkersCompensation.com) -- Oklahoma, like other places across the country, has an alternative dispute resolution program to resolve issues that might come up in workers' compensation claims. To make […]

    Read More

    Wrapping Up the Workers’ Compensation Leadership Series: Elevating the Experience for Everyone Involved 

    Throughout this series, we explored the potential of various leadership styles in the workers' compensation process for claims adjusters and employers. Each leadership theory offers unique insights and practical strategies for creating supportive, empathetic, and […]
    Workers Attack Coworkers in Incidents Across Country

    Corpus Christie, TX (WorkersCompensation.com) – A recently fired restaurant employee was left fighting for his life after a former coworker attacked him. According to police in Corpus Christie, Texas, a 35-year-old Popeyes employee was found […]
    What are ‘Permanent Total Disability Benefits’ in Wyoming?

    Glossary Check Casper, WY (WorkersCompensation.com) -- Part of staying compliant with state workers' compensation law is knowing what the rules say are benefits. As Simply Research subscribers know, in Wyoming, "permanent total disability benefits" means […]
    Emotional Intelligence Leadership in Workers’ Compensation: Empathy, Communication, and Support for Recovery 

    Emotional Intelligence (EI) Leadership, emphasizing empathy, self-awareness, and emotional management, is a powerful tool for employers working with recovering employees during the workers' compensation process. It fosters trust, supports mental and emotional well-being, and improves […]
    Did Factory Job Produce Manager’s COVID-19 Infection?

    What Do You Think? White Plains, NY (WorkersCompensation.com) -- As COVID-19-related workers’ compensation appeals make their way through the New York courts, it becomes somewhat clear what it takes to establish or defend against such […]
    N.Y. Court Nixes $480 Counsel Fee Request Related to Late Installment Penalties

    Case File An attorney for a New York workers' compensation claimant was awarded attorney's fees, but his push for an additional award that would be payable from penalties imposed in the case ran into a […]

    Request a Demo

    To request a free demo of one of our products, please fill in this form. Our sales team will get back to you shortly.