WAC 296-23-359. When is telemedicine appropriate for an independent medical exam (IME)?

(1) The following exams may be conducted via telehealth: (a) Mental health; (b) Dermatology; (c) Speech when there is no documented hearing loss; (d) Kidney function; (e) Hematopoietic system; (f) Endocrine. (2) The terms telehealth and telemedicine are used interchangeably and have the same requirements as in-person visits. Telemedicine may be appropriate to effectively conduct an independent medical exam when: (a) Face-to-face services by a qualified medical provider can be delivered through a real-time, two-way, audio video connection, and complies with all federal, state, and local rules and laws; and (b) A worker is able and willing to participate in an exam via telemedicine; and (c) The department or self-insured employer, and worker, have agreed a telemedicine IME is appropriate; these individuals should also agree to the location of the worker during the exam; and (d) The agreement is documented in the claim file; and (e) A physical or hands-on exam is not required. (3) Upon request of the department or self-insured employer and with the agreement of the worker, a telemedicine IME may be approved on a case-by-case basis for additional specialties not listed under subsection (1) of this section.