Independent of What? The Independent Medical Examination Business

Lax, Michael B.

doi:10.2190/ccb6-7m8m-0ca9-6yye

Cited by 10 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 17 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Our study showed that the typical result of an IME is a reduction in Workers' Compensation benefits [2]. This analysis was extended in a third paper which surveyed the IME business, concluding that, despite a rhetoric of independence and objectivity, IMEs function as a tool of Workers' Compensation insurance carriers and employers [3]. A fourth study examined trends in Workers' Compensation and disability assessment arguing that an overreliance on methods and information deemed "objective" is eliminating the worker's own history and voice, making it more difficult for occupational disease to be diagnosed and minimizing the extent of disability [4].…”

mentioning

confidence: 54%

More than Meets the Eye: Social, Economic, and Emotional Impacts of Work-Related Injury and Illness

Lax¹,

Klein²

2008

New Solut

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The impact of an occupational illness or injury on an injured worker can be severe. This study assessed several dimensions of the impact on a group of 50 injured workers, all patients at an Occupational Health Center. The dimensions assessed included aspects of access to health care, support from treating physicians in obtaining Workers' Compensation benefits, financial impacts, the role of attorneys and "Independent Medical Examiners," and the impact on mental health. Many reported that their treating physician did not want to become involved in Workers' Compensation, despite indicating a belief that the health condition was work-related. The financial impacts of a work-related diagnosis were particularly striking, with respondents reporting that they were burdened both with costs directly related to the medical care of their condition, and with coping with ongoing general expenses on a reduced income. Many respondents reported depleting savings, borrowing money, taking out retirement funds, and declaring bankruptcy in efforts to cope. Emotionally, respondents almost universally reported their diagnosis and related issues were associated with depression, anxiety, and loss of identity and self-worth. This study demonstrates how a work-related injury or illness can extend far beyond the physical impact for injured workers. Existing systems fail to adequately compensate or rehabilitate injured workers, leaving them to their own devices to deal with their losses, medical or otherwise.

show abstract

mentioning

confidence: 54%

More than Meets the Eye: Social, Economic, and Emotional Impacts of Work-Related Injury and Illness

Lax¹,

Klein²

2008

New Solut

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Furthermore, the participants in our study received a copy of their IME report, which is not the case in some systems where workers have to request a copy of the report from the insurer to gain insight [ 27 ]. Some have suggested that an IME does not play a therapeutic role in the recovery process [ 28 ]. Our data do not provide insight into whether the IME report served a therapeutic role; however, this transparency may counteract a possible uncertainty among sick-listed workers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sick-listed workers’ expectations about and experiences with independent medical evaluation: a qualitative interview study from Norway

Aamland

Mæland

2018

Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose: To reduce the country’s sick leave rate, Norwegian politicians have suggested independent medical evaluations (IMEs) for sick-listed workers. IME was tested in a large, randomized controlled trial in one Norwegian county (Evaluation of IME in Norway, or ‘the NIME trial’). The current study´s aim was to explore sick-listed workers’ expectations about and experiences with participating in an IME. Material and methods: Nine individual semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Our convenience sample included six women and three men, aged 35–59 years, who had diverse medical reasons for being on sick leave. Systematic text condensation was used for analysis. Results: The participants questioned both the IME purpose and timing, but felt a moral obligation to participate. Inadequate information provided by their general practitioner (GP) to the IME doctor was considered burdensome by several participants. However, most participants appreciated the IME as a positive discussion, even if they did not feel it had any impact on their follow-up or return-to-work process. Conclusions: According to the sick-listed workers the IMEs were administered too late and disturbed already initiated treatment processes and return to work efforts. Still, the consultation with the IME doctor was rated as a positive encounter, contrary to their expectations. Our results diverge from findings in other countries where experiences with IME consultations have been reported as predominantly negative. These findings, along with additional, upcoming evaluations, will serve as a basis for the Norwegian government’s decision about whether to implement IMEs on a regular basis.Key points Independent medical evaluations for sick-listed workers has been tested out in a large Norwegian RCT and will be evaluated through qualitative interviews with participating stakeholders and by assessing the effects on RTW and costs/benefits. In this study, we explored sick-listed workers’ expectations about and experiences with participating in an IME. • Participants questioned both the IME purpose and timing, but felt a moral obligation to participate. • Inadequate information provided by their general practitioner (GP) to the IME doctor was considered burdensome by several participants • Sick-listed workers appreciated the IME as a positive discussion, even if they did not feel it had any impact on their follow-up or return-to-work process.

show abstract

“…IMEs have been criticised as harbouring inherent prejudice against the claimant, underdiagnosing and minimising disability 14. We disagree; the fundamental rule of an IME is an honest, complete assessment with verification and support of valid claims of damages or disability 5 15 16.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The value of the ophthalmological independent medical examination: analysis of 344 cases

Schutz¹,

Mavrakanas

2009

British Journal of Ophthalmology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

An ophthalmological IME is useful for detecting malingering, as well as symptoms and pathology not causally related to a claimed accident or injury or actually pre-existent to a claimed date. The advantages of an IME compared with relying on treating-doctor records, clues for diagnosing feigning and incorrect causal relationship, and guidelines for performing an ophthalmological IME are discussed.

show abstract

Independent of What? The Independent Medical Examination Business

Cited by 10 publications

References 17 publications

More than Meets the Eye: Social, Economic, and Emotional Impacts of Work-Related Injury and Illness

More than Meets the Eye: Social, Economic, and Emotional Impacts of Work-Related Injury and Illness

Sick-listed workers’ expectations about and experiences with independent medical evaluation: a qualitative interview study from Norway

The value of the ophthalmological independent medical examination: analysis of 344 cases

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About