WAC 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-insurer; (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 themselves 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 they 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 provider, 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 14 calendar days of the examination date, or within 14 calendar days of receipt of the results of any special tests or studies requested as a part of the examination. Reports received after 14 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 .