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Please see below answers to our most frequently asked questions.
If you don’t see your question here and would like more information on our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team, who’d be happy to help.
Client
What does Red Health do?
We’re a medico-legal service provider facilitating independent medical assessments who work with a vetted network of medical specialists and allied health professionals to deliver a hassle-free, reliable service for a wide range of clients.
What type of clients do you help?
Most of our clients are in the legal, insurance, workers’ compensation, government, human resources, private and public sectors.
What is your turnaround time for independent medical assessments?
We have an average turnaround time of 10 business days for standard referrals.
How do I know what type of IME is suitable for my case?
Us! Our friendly team is here to guide you towards the best assessment type and medical expert for your particular case. Let us know what you need and we’ll help you make an informed decision by discussing your options.
What disciplines do your independent medical examiners cover?
We have over 200 medical specialists and allied health professionals in our network, specialising in more than 40 disciplines and growing. If we don’t have a suitable medical expert to suit your needs, we’ll guide you on the best option for your case.
Examinee
What is an Independent Medical Assessment/Examination (IMA/IME)?
The purpose of an IME is to evaluate medical conditions independently. They’re commonly used to assess whether someone’s medical condition is permanent and how it affects their ability to function at work and in everyday life.
What does an Independent Medical Assessor/Examiner do?
An Independent Medical Assessor/Examiner is an experienced medical practitioner qualified to give an independent medical opinion. They assess medical conditions via physical examinations, consultations, and by reviewing relevant documentation to give their independent medical opinion in a written report.
For virtual independent medical assessments, what do I need?
All you need is a connection to WiFi, a laptop or desktop, microphone, speakers and an email address. For international clients, we also require a passport and driver’s license for identification purposes.
What happens in an Independent Medical Assessment?
For most independent medical assessments, both a consultation and physical examination will take place. If you’re being assessed for a psychological condition, a physical examination isn’t required.
What should I expect from the consultation?
During an independent medical examination, you’ll be asked a range of questions which are aimed at gathering information about you as an individual and your medical condition.
Commonly, an examiner will ask you about your education, medical history, employment history, treatment, and symptom history. We encourage you to be honest, as this helps the independent medical practitioner fully understand how your medical condition affects you.
Examples of what you might be asked:
- When did your condition/s begin? How has it progressed?
- What are your symptoms?
- Have you had any treatment? If so, what type and for how long?
- What medical practitioners have you consulted with?
- What surgeries or procedures have you had and when?
- Prior to the accident or injury how many hours were you working?
- Following the accident did you require any assistance with domestic activities or self-care?
- How does your condition affect your ability to work, socialise, enjoy hobbies, or carry out daily activities?
- Have you needed help from family, friends or commercial services?
What should I expect from a physical examination?
A medical practitioner will conduct your physical exam. They’ll take a closer look at your body’s injured area, take measurements of your range of motion and non-invasive tests which will assist them in evaluating your medical condition.
We recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing and underwear as they may ask you to partially undress for the assessment and wear the gown we provide. Please rest assured your medical practitioner will examine with integrity and discretion.
Can I bring someone for support?
Of course! We understand independent medical assessments can be uncomfortable, so if you’d like to bring a friend or family member for support, that’s no problem. Just be aware they might be asked some questions to assist the medical practitioner and may also be asked to wait in the reception area for some or all of your assessment.
What about a chaperone?
The purpose of a chaperone is to supervise the physical assessment but might be present during the entire appointment. You or the medical practitioner may request a chaperone for the assessment. You may need to arrange a chaperone before your assessment in some locations. Please let us know in advance if you’d like us to arrange one.
How long will the appointment take?
Though they typically take a minimum of 45 minutes, some appointments will take 5 to 7 hours. Please get in touch with our Client Services Team to confirm the expected duration of your appointment as this can vary.
When should I arrive and what do I need to bring?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment.
You’ll need to bring:
- Photo ID like a passport, driver licence, or 18+ card
- X-ray films, CT and MRI scans, and reports
- Details of medication taken before and since your condition started.
What if I can’t make my appointment?
Please note: these assessments aren’t like other medical appointments, so it could take months before you can get a new appointment. If you don’t show up for your appointment or cancel it without giving us enough notice, you will be charged a cancellation fee of over $600 and may face months of waiting for a new appointment
If you have any questions about your appointment, please contact our Client Services Team on 1300 100 RED (733) or email us at [email protected].