IME from A to Z Effective use of Independent Medical Examinations in - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

IME from A to Z Effective use of Independent Medical Examinations in New York Workers’ Compensation Claims Matthew R. Mead, Esq. Stockton, Barker & Mead, LLP Troy, New York May 25, 2017 PERMA Annual Conference 1

Overview Definitions • IME Qualifications • IME Procedure • IME Issues • Best Practices • Related Topics • Police/Firefighter Cases (GML 207) • May 25, 2017 PERMA Annual Conference 2

Definitions “IME” • Independent Medical Examination • Independent Medical Examiner • IME Entity • May 25, 2017 PERMA Annual Conference 3

IME Qualifications NYS License • Specialty Requirements • Application • Cannot be a former treating physician of examinee • May 25, 2017 PERMA Annual Conference 4

IME Procedure Notice to Claimant • Notice to WCB • Suitable Medical facilities. • Reports • May 25, 2017 PERMA Annual Conference 5

IME Issues 13 specific issues • “any other purpose recognized or requested by the • board” May 25, 2017 PERMA Annual Conference 6

IME Issues Diagnosis • Causal relationship • Ability to work • Treatment – what treatment does the claimant need? • Maximum Medical Improvement • Permanency • May 25, 2017 PERMA Annual Conference 7

IME Uses Initial compensability evaluation • Impairment/Disability/Restrictions • Treatment • Opioid weaning • Maximum Medical Improvement (Permanency) • Percentage schedule loss of use • Impairment severity rating • May 25, 2017 PERMA Annual Conference 8

Best Practices Choose the right medical specialty • Choose the right doctor • Ask the right questions • Review the report • May 25, 2017 PERMA Annual Conference 9

Related Topics Police/Firefighter Cases (GML 207) • May 25, 2017 PERMA Annual Conference 10

Thank You Matthew R. Mead, Esq. Stockton, Barker & Mead, LLP Troy, New York mmead@sbmfirm.com May 25, 2017 PERMA Annual Conference 11