THE USE OF INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Dr Angus Forbes MBBS FRACGP FAFOEM

WHAT IS AN IME?

• A health care professional who is not the Patients’ treating healthcare professional.

• Opinion based on multiple factors

• “hired gun”?

• Limited / no duty of care

WHAT DOESN'T AN IME DO?

• Treat the “patient”

• Solve performance management issues

• Patent advocacy?

• the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations

WHAT’S AN OEP?

• Occupational and Environmental Physician

• FAFOEM (RACP)

• Recognise the health effects of occupational, social, psychological and environmental factors.

• Experts on work related disability

• Evidence based opinion

WHEN?

• Legislation

• Determination of liability

• 2nd opinion / conflicting information

• ?”like for like”

• Advice on suitable management

• Work ability

• Impairment, disability

HOW?

• Referral letter

• Relevant medical information

• Claim information

WHAT TO ASK?

• Injury – work related

• Stable and stationary

• Aggravation/ exacerbation

• Yes / No

• Clear questions

THE ASSESSMENT

• Referral

• Booking

• Consent

• Consultation

• Timeliness

• Support person

• Further information

• Report

THE REPORT

• Clear

• Concise

• Answered questions

• Timely

• Release to patient

QUESTIONS?

WHAT CAN’T WE DO?

• (Treating relationship)

• Performance management

GLOSSARY…

• Injury / Work related

• Impairment

• Disability

• WPI

• ADLs

• Stable and stationary

• Maximal medical improvement (AMA 4)

• Aggravation

• Exacerbation