Independent Medical Examinations (IME)

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Independent medical examiners are registered medical practitioners who provide impartial medical assessments. The worker, worker’s solicitor, or the insurer can request an independent medical examination.

A referral for an independent medical examination occurs when medical information is:

• inadequate

• unavailable

• inconsistent; or

• where the referrer has been unable to resolve the issues related to the problem directly with the parties involved.

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When is a referral to an IME appropriate?

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An independent medical examination is appropriate where the information required relates to:

• diagnosis of an injury reported by the worker and determining the contribution of work incidents, duties and/or practices to that injury

• diagnosis of the worker’s ongoing condition and whether it still results from the injury

• recommendations and/or need for treatment

• fitness for pre-injury duties and hours, and the likelihood of, and timeframe for recovery

• fitness for other jobs/duties, including those in the worker's recent employment history (descriptions of such duties are to be provided to the independent medical examiner)

• what past and/or ongoing incapacity results from the injury

• physical capabilities and any activities that must be avoided

• an assessment of permanent loss (injuries pre-January 1, 2002) or whole person impairment (injuries on and after 1 January 2002) resulting from the injury, including any proportion to be deducted that is due to a pre-existing injury, abnormality or condition.

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Becoming an Independent Medical Examiner

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CBD Independent Medical Examiners must have at least ten years of clinical experience in their area of specialty and currently be working at least eight hours of clinical practice each week. Experience in working with compensable clients is an advantage.

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The role of the injury management consultant is distinctly different from that of the independent medical examiner.

An injury management consultant is expected to assess the situation, examine the worker (if necessary) and discuss possible solutions with all parties (particularly the nominated treating doctor).

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Injury Management Consultations (IMC)

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When is a referral to an IMC appropriate?

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It is appropriate to refer to an IMC where;

• the insurer and/or employer are unable to obtain the cooperation of the nominated treating doctor to assist in return to work

• there is disagreement regarding the suitability of duties offered

• the worker is not upgrading suitable duties - that is, they are not progressing towards pre-injury hours and/or duties

• Medical certification varies and return to work is interrupted.

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What outcomes can I hope to achieve from an IMC assessment?

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• support of the nominated treating doctor's opinion regarding return to work management;

• recommendations regarding revision of the return to work plan and/or medical certificate;

• a suggested alternative action if an agreement is not reached on return to work management;

• a true indication of return to work to pre-injury duties, modified pre-injury duties or a need to change to work involving a different job or different employer;

• exploring the diagnosis and its relevance to the injury and current treatment; and

• a collaboration with all stakeholders equally to achieve realistic goals that are evidence based and treatment driven.