Section 296-23-359 - When is telemedicine appropriate for an independent medical exam (IME)?(1) The following exams may be conducted via telehealth:(c) Speech when there is no documented hearing loss;(e) Hematopoietic system;(2) The terms telehealth and telemedicine are used interchangeably and have the same requirements as in-person visits. Telemedicine may be appropriate to effectively conduct an independent medical exam when:(a) Face-to-face services by a qualified medical provider can be delivered through a real-time, two-way, audio video connection, and complies with all federal, state, and local rules and laws; and(b) A worker is able and willing to participate in an exam via telemedicine; and(c) The department or self-insured employer, and worker, have agreed a telemedicine IME is appropriate; these individuals should also agree to the location of the worker during the exam; and(d) The agreement is documented in the claim file; and(e) A physical or hands-on exam is not required.(3) Upon request of the department or self-insured employer and with the agreement of the worker, a telemedicine IME may be approved on a case-by-case basis for additional specialties not listed under subsection (1) of this section.Wash. Admin. Code § 296-23-359
Adopted by WSR 23-16-115, Filed 8/1/2023, effective 9/1/2023