Direct patient care. For the purpose of meeting the qualifications of an independent medical examination (IME) provider, direct patient care means face-to-face contact with the patient for the purpose of evaluation and management of care that includes, but is not limited to:
• History taking and review of systems;
• Physical examination;
• Medical decision making;
• Coordination of care with other providers and agencies.
This does not include time spent in independent medical examinations.
Impairment rating examination. An examination to determine whether or not the injured/ill worker has any permanent impairment(s) as a result of the industrial injury or illness after the worker has reached maximum medical improvement. An impairment rating may be a component of an IME.
Independent medical examination (IME). An objective medical examination requested by the department or self-insurer to establish medical facts about a worker's physical condition.
Independent medical examination (IME) provider. A firm, partnership, corporation, or individual doctor who has been approved and given an independent medical examination (IME) provider number by the department to perform IMEs.
Medical director. A licensed doctor in the firm, partnership, corporation or other legal entity responsible to provide oversight on quality of independent medical examinations, impairment ratings and reports.
Medical examiners' handbook. A handbook distributed by the department containing department policy and information to assist doctors who perform independent medical examinations and impairment rating examinations.
Provider number. A unique number(s) assigned to a provider by the department of labor and industries. The number identifies the provider and is linked to a tax identification number that has been designated by the provider for payment purposes. A provider may have more than one provider number assigned by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.32.055, 51.32.112, 51.32.114, 51.36.060, and 51.36.070. 04-04-029, § 296-23-302, filed 1/27/04, effective 3/1/04.]