Several factors influence an IME report delivery timelines, and it can be one of the most significant challenges for claims managers and lawyers working to tight deadlines. 

Delivery timeframes greatly depend on:

• Case complexity
• Independent Medical Examiner availability
• Examinee availability and location
• Timely submission of medical records and relevant information
• Communication between the parties involved
• Adequate medical records, including investigations and results

We thought it would be helpful to share three real-life examples that show insights into the IME process and all the things that can influence IME report delivery turnaround times.

Example 1 – A Complex Personal Injury Case

A Personal Injury Lawyer required that an independent medical examination (IME) be performed on their client to determine the nature and severity of multiple injuries they sustained in a car accident, and what long-term impact they would have on their capacity to live and work in the future. 

The IME was promptly scheduled, and the examination was completed within two weeks. The medical expert was unable to calculate the degree of permanent impairment relating to the injuries sustained as pathology, and specialised radiological investigations were not available, and in fact, no testing had ever been performed. Red Health liaised with the lawyer and the examinee underwent the required testing at the first available time which resulted in a three week delay. The delivery of the final report took approximately five weeks.

To ensure that all of the essential information was acquired as quickly as possible, Red Health supported the lawyer and examinee with respect to identifying the type of testing required and the best approach to obtaining the referral forms which was aimed at avoiding additional costs for the examinee. Red Health maintained communication with the medical expert so that when the results were available they could do the final touches of their medico-legal report. 

Given the nature of this case, a comprehensive and accurate report was received in a reasonable timeframe, given the need to obtain further information to proceed. However, it could have been resolved quicker if a strategic review of the case had been completed by the Medico-Legal provider from the start – something that Red Health proudly offers.

Example 2 – A Swift Workers’ Compensation Claim Resolution

A organisation needed to assess an injured worker’s capacity to return to regular work duties in accordance with WHS guidelines. The appointment for the Independent Medical Examination was scheduled one week following the request. The medical brief included records from the workers treating doctors and up to date radiological investigations. The objective to the IME was focused around whether the worker could return to work and safely perform the inherent requirements of their role at pre-injury hours and if there were any limitations or restrictions in performing their duties.

Due to the uncomplicated nature of the case and the early submission of the medical brief, the independent medical examiner was able to dictate their draft report on the appointment day and the necessary quality assurance reviews were completed by the medical examiner and Red Health’s in-house QA team in a timely manner. This report was issued to the client within 6 working days.

The streamlined communication between the involved parties, including the employer, examinee, examiner and Red Health, allowed for a fast report delivery and worker’s compensation claim resolution.

Example 3 – A Permanent Disability Insurance Case

An insurance agency needed to determine the level of injury, and its long-term impact, in a disability claim. In light of the complexity of the case and the intricate nature of the claim, multiple IMEs were required, and the selection of experts was crucial. It took several weeks to identify the right medical and allied health professionals and secure bookings with them in the best order.

Recognising the need for a comprehensive assessment to be made, a range of assessment bookings were made across specialities, including neurology, psychiatry and with an occupational therapist.

After the assessments were completed, the practitioners completed their reports and received the report of the previous practitioner so they could draw upon relevant information to help them provide their opinion.  Red Health supported the quality assurance process and ensured the insurance agency was informed each step of the way until the reports were finalised and issued to the client.

In total, the entire process took approximately nine weeks to conclude.

This approach ensured a robust and holistic assessment outcome for the examinee, which, in turn, allowed the insurance agency to determine the appropriate level of funding for the examinee which considered multiple practitioners from different specialities. This approach was valued by the client as it delivered on clarity and reduced timeframes which was required given the complexity of the disabilities.

What makes an effective IME process?

• Clear communication between the examinee, referring client, examiner, and IME provider
• Taking the time to determine a planned approach, particularly with complex matters which require multiple opinions
• Understanding what medical information is required and having it available prior to the appointment 
• Securing the best suited medical expert rather than the next available appointment
• Comprehensive assessment and information gathering
• Liaising with your IME provider to seek guidance and support
• Unbiased opinion
• Prompt report completion

Make an appointment with the Red Health team today for a strategic case review, and our staff will show you the way from the beginning, saving you time, money and headaches!

Disclaimer: The timeline examples provided in this blog are intended for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as predictive of future IME delivery timelines. Actual delivery times may vary depending on numerous factors, including case complexity, Independent Medical Examiner availability, examinee availability, timely submission of medical records and relevant information. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on your unique matter, please reach out to your Red Health case manager.

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With many teams choosing to stay working remotely (or hybrid), employers must take steps to prevent work-from-home injuries and have a plan in place should they occur.

How Australians are working differently post-Covid. 

Many employees have embraced working from home as part of the new normal. These new WFH workplace risks now need to be monitored, like when staff are working from the company office.

“The Families in Australia Survey: Towards Covid Normal found that among the employed survey respondents, 67% were sometimes or always working from home, compared to 42% pre-Covid”.

Remote work benefits include:

• Increased productivity (fewer distractions and interruptions)
• Better work-life balance by reducing commuting time and travel costs 

On the other side of the coin, the disadvantages of working remotely include:

• Reduced work-life balance by overworking and constant connectedness
• Feelings of disconnect from peers
• Breakdown in communication between peers
• Risk of isolation and loneliness
• Distractions at home

While challenges and risks are associated with working from home, many Australian workers still prefer this if given the option.

Legal Aspects for Employers to Consider

Employers must provide a safe working environment, even those working from home. Legal action could be on the cards if an employee fails to provide a safe work environment.

Even if an employee is hurt at home, they are still eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. There are challenges, however, in determining whether an injury occurred while working at home.

Common work-from-home injuries and how employers can help prevent them.

Sound injury prevention practice provides staff with educational resources and training materials on ergonomic best practices, proper lifting techniques, and other relevant topics to have on hand. 

• Musculoskeletal injuries in the neck, back and shoulders are common, caused by prolonged sitting periods and poor working posture. Employers can ensure that proper ergonomic assessments have been completed for all staff working from home and provide appropriate ergonomic education and equipment (adjustable chair, sit-stand desk, monitor arm) and education on maintaining correct posture, taking regular breaks to stretch, and varying their work positions throughout the day.

• Prolonged screen exposure causes eye strain leading to headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. Employers can help minimise this by providing a quality monitor set to the correct brightness and contrast, encouraging regular screen breaks and that the home office environment has good natural light. Managers can also schedule screen breaks in staff’s calendars to remind them.
  
• Slips, trips, and falls can still happen at home due to power cords, slippers, kid’s toys, or even a freshly mopped floor. Employers should remind staff to keep a clutter-free space, wear appropriate footwear and have adequate lighting in their workspace.
  
• Isolation, lack of social interaction, and blurred lines between work and home life can contribute to stress-related injuries (headaches, anxiety and depression).

• Electrical injuries from faulty equipment or not following safety procedures. These are preventable by providing staff with safe and functional electrical equipment, conducting authorised annual testing and tagging, and ensuring employees understand proper electrical safety procedures.

Psychological injuries can occur due to a number of reasons; from feeling overwhelmed to having to deal with an upset customer right through to challenges that employees face in their lives. Employers can support their team by scheduling regular check-ins, and making employee assistance programs, counselling, or support groups available. Encourage staff to take annual leave and maintain clear work-life boundaries for their mental well-being. Virtual coffee breaks, not just meetings, help remote workers to stay connected with colleagues and feel part of the team. 

Fair work hour expectations, response times, and deadlines should be reiterated, and regular communication and self-care should be encouraged.

Offer virtual wellness programs like fitness classes, mindfulness sessions, or access to online resources related to stress management and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Red Health is here to support you.

If an employee has experienced a work-from-home injury or you suspect that a medical condition is impacting their ability to perform the inherent requirements of their role, Red Health provides Independent Medical Assessments which help employers understand how they can assist the employee whilst adhering to WHS best practices.

Both Red Health and our sister company, Flexiwell Group, understand that there is no-one-size-fits-all approach when assessing individuals regarding work-related injuries and illnesses. 

Collectively, we offer a range of services that are specifically designed to provide clarity to both the employer and employee when injury or illness may play a role in the workplace.

Every individual and every situation is different. We take great pride in a human-centred model to ensure clients make informed selections about the type of medico-legal evaluation or expertise they need.

Do you have a question for our medico-legal advisory team?

Contact our friendly Client Experience team today.

The post Preventing Work from Home Injuries: What Every Employer Needs to Know appeared first on Red Health.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics records through 2017 – 2018 show that of the 13.4m people who worked that year, 563,600 had a work-related injury or illness. 

Technicians, trades, community, and personal service workers make up most of those numbers. Construction was the industry with the highest incidences, followed by manufacturing, health care and social assistance.

The data also showed: 

• Lifting, pushing, pulling or bending were the most common causes (24.2%)
• 60% of those affected had time off as a result of prolonged impairment
• 27% people received worker’s compensation 

The next ABS report is due for release in February 2023. It will be worth reviewing for comparison when it’s released.  Here are a few tips for employers to prevent and handle workplace injuries.

Economic impacts of workplace illness and injury

Safe Work Australia and Deloitte Access Economics, using a groundbreaking model, released a report in October 2022 which showed that in the absence of work-related injuries and illnesses: 

• Australia’s economy would increase by $28.6 billion annually
• 185,500 more jobs would be created
• Australian wages would increase by an average of 1.3% yearly 

Over 120,000 workers receive compensation for work-related severe injuries or illnesses annually (Safe Work Australia (2021). 

Rely on Red Health for workplace injury claims

Medico-legal claims are notoriously difficult and stressful, so we’ve made it our business to ease the complexity. The Red Health experience includes industry-leading guidance and support, vast medical practitioner networks, proactive booking management, and express report delivery which gives you clarity.

How to enhance a workplace injury claim process

• Pre-book appointments to reduce wait times
• Ask us for help if you need clarification on which expert would be best suited for your specific case.
• Prepare the letter of instruction and brief in advance, and ask for our assistance if you’re not sure!
• Clearly state the referral letter’s objectives and tailor your questions.
• Take the time to provide a thorough background as to why you are seeking the medical opinion and to describe the business hurdles that may be faced with RTW.
• Gather all the relevant information about your case and check for duplication of any records.
• Consider the order of assessments where multiple specialties are required. Talk to us for assistance with this if you need to.
• Provide your Letter of Instruction and medical brief two weeks before the assessment so we can process and review them to ensure all is in order.

Contact us to learn more about managing workplace injury claims.

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