Virtual IMEs – Addressing Industry Concerns
Virtual Independent Medical Examinations have been in practice for some time, particularly for people in remote areas, those with limited mobility and others who cannot attend an in-person appointment. They gained increasing popularity during COVID 19 at a rapid pace as as the pandemic eased so did their rate of usage. These days virtual IMEs continue to play a role in medico-legal however some parties within the industry hold concerns over the validity of the medical opinion.
A study published in the Pain Medicine journal found virtual examinations could actually be as accurate as in-person assessments when it comes to cases of chronic pain. Another in the Journal of the American Medical Association determined that virtual IMEs were as reliable for assessing functional capacity with work-related injuries.
So, let’s look into the typical issues and concerns of virtual Independent Medical Assessments and best practice tips and advice for maximising a virtual independent medical exam for a medico-legal report.
The Reliability and Accuracy of Virtual IMEs
Medical Experts, especially those in the Red Health referral network, are highly qualified and experienced medical professionals trained to conduct thorough and objective assessments, regardless of whether it is in person or virtually.
Before the IME appointment, the individual’s identity will be verified. The environment is controlled meaning that the appointment will take place in a medical consulting suite and where a physical assessment is required, a surrogate practitioner will be in attendance with the examinee. The surrogate will perform any clinical testing required by the medical expert and will be under their direct supervision. During the appointment, the medical expert and surrogate monitor the examinee’s presentation and record any observations that may help determine the independent medical opinion.
Maintaining Objectivity and Impartiality
Using a secure video conferencing platform helps protect the examinee’s privacy and confidentiality, along with explaining that the IME should be held in a controlled setting to ensure the examinee is comfortable and minimises distractions.
The virtual setting can sometimes make it more difficult for the medical expert to interpret the examinee’s mood and emotions, which may be important to the unique case in question, so they are trained to be additionally cognisant of body language, voice tone, and general observations of the examinee.
As always, IME medical experts will tailor their interview with the examinee to the claim type and to ensure they can answer any specific questions with confidence and reasoning.
Overcoming Technological Challenges
Weak and unstable internet connection is the most common problem that disrupts a virtual IME, as does poor video and audio quality. The medical expert and the examinee must both ensure that they have access to reliable technology in order for the virtual assessment to be a success.
Prepare for your IME by
- Ensuring your software is the latest version
- Testing your equipment before the appointment
- Attending the appointment in a controlled and private space
- Being mindful of your positioning on camera
- Closing any unnecessary programs to free up internet bandwidth
To ensure everything goes smoothly with our virtual IMEs, Red Health have an in-house IT team that uses encrypted software to safeguard your client’s data at all times and testing prior to each assessment is undertaken!
Addressing Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns
Concerns about data security, examinee privacy, and the transmission of sensitive information are common with virtual IMEs. However, we live in a digital world and being aware of privacy and confidentiality obligations and preventing breaches is becoming second nature for individuals and organisations alike.
Another concern is that others might overhear the content of an assessment, which is why a quiet and controlled location is essential for the examination.
Red Health provides a secure system for storing and transmitting assessment data which has password protection, two-factor authentication and encryption measures built in.
IME experts should have a policy for virtual assessments that outlines the measures they take to protect customer data and privacy, which includes auditing to ensure policies are followed.
The Virtual Era of Medico-Legal Assessment
Virtual Independent Medical Examinations are a fantastic way to ensure everyone can access a medico-legal report performed by a medical specialist to evaluate and provide an opinion about their injury or illness.
With some planning and measures in place, we can make virtual IMEs a safe and effective way to assess the impact of illness and injury in medico-legal cases.
Not sure whether a virtual assessment is suitable for your needs? Let our friendly client experience team guide the way. Simply click here to learn more!
