Quick Hit: Telemedicine for Wash. IMEs

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.

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