About Independent Medical Exams

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Washington State Dept of Labor and Industries (L&I) must approve examiners who perform independent medical examinations (IME) in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho. These examinations are for workers covered under Washington state workers' compensation.

• What is an IME?

  An IME is a medical evaluation that documents the worker's condition. This helps L&I or self-insurer give appropriate assistance to the worker and make fair decisions on the claim. IMEs may decide whether the worker has reached their maximum benefit from treatments or if any permanent impairment remains.

  High-quality exams provide unabiased, accurate and medically sound information.

• Who can order or request an IME?

  The insurer may request an IME. They may also arrange for one in response to a request or an issue raised by the attending doctor or the employer at the time of injury.

• What is the IME approved examiners list?

  A list of currently approved providers. You can look them up on the Find a Medical Examiner site.
  
  These providers are approved to perform IMEs of injured workers covered under the State Fund, Self-Insurance claims or Crime Victims Compensation Program. Availability of doctors may vary. Approved doctors are not obligated to accept exam assignments, nor are doctors guaranteed referrals. They may perform IMEs as individual providers, affiliated with firms, or both.
  
  L&I regularly adds new names to the list.

• Who may perform independent medical examinations? (WAC 296-23-317)

Providers that are approved by L&I. They must be licensed to practice in:

• Medicine and surgery,
• Osteopathic medicine and surgery,
• Podiatric medicine and surgery,
• Chiropractic, or
• Dentistry.

(See WAC 296-23-317)

• How would I become an approved examiner to perform IMEs? (WAC 296-23-312)

If you want to become an approved examiner, whether you are affiliated with an IME firm or not, you would submit an application to L&I. When L&I approves the application, you will be notified in writing.

To apply, use the IME Provider Account Application packet (F245-046-000).

(See WAC 296-23-312)

• What do I need to know about IMEs? (WAC 296-23-302 through -392)

Providers who perform IMEs must know:

• Purpose of an IME.
• IME provider number.
• Qualifications of an approved provider.
• Responsibilities during the exam.
• Completion of job analysis.
• Ongoing treatment for the worker.
• Responsibilities regarding testimony.
• How complaints are handled.
• Rating systems to use.
• Information to include in the report.
• Fee schedule for IMEs.
• IMEs for impairment rating only.

(See WAC 296-23-302 through 392)

For more information

Forms
Medical Examiners Handbook (F252-001-000).
Attending Doctor's Handbook (F252-004-000)

Web sites
Claim and Account Center

Contact information
Call Provider Review and Education: 360-902-6815 or Fax: 360-902-4249