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In cases presenting diagnostic or therapeutic problems:
- You may arrange a consultation with a specialist without prior authorization.
- Except mental health consultations which, do require prior authorization.
For mental health consultation situations:
- If you have recently referred a worker for a consultation and
- Are notified that the claim manager is arranging an independent medical exam (IME), you should:
- Immediately advise the claim manager of the consultation.
- In some instances, the claim manager will request that you obtain a consultation.
L&I must approve doctors who perform independent medical exams. Use this online interactive list to search for an approved medical examiner: Find a Medical Examiner.
For more information:
WAC 296-20-051 - Consultations.
WAC 296-20-045 - Consultation requirements.
