Employers and Workers' Compensation Insurance carriers frequently contract with physicians to examine workers with suspected occupational illnesses. Typically these examinations are requested after the patient's treating physician has made a work related diagnosis. The findings of these "Independent Medical Examinations" ("IMEs") often conflict with those of the treating physician. The nature and extent of differences between the "IME" and the treating physician are the subject of this study. Patients recently evaluated at a publically funded academically based occupational health center were randomly chosen for inclusion. "IME" reports for each patient were gathered. Three clinicians independently assessed each " IME" and chart using an agreed upon standardized set of questions and approach. The issues assessed included diagnosis, work-relatedness, and impairment/disability. The "IME" and occupational health center findings were compared and contrasted. The results and implications of this review will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Identify similarities and differences in the way "IMEs" and treating occupational physicians diagnose, assess the work relatedness, and assess the disability of injured workers. 2. Analyze the medical and social function of the IME and the treating physician exam
Keywords: Occupational Health Care, Occupational Disease
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.