WAC 296-23-307   Why are independent medical examinations requested?  Independent medical examinations (IMEs) are requested by the department or the self-insurer. Generally, IMEs are ordered for one or more of the following reasons, including, but not limited to:

     (1) Establish a diagnosis;

     (2) Outline a program of treatment;

     (3) Evaluate what, if any, conditions are related to the claimed industrial injury or occupational disease/illness;

     (4) Determine whether an industrial injury or occupational disease/illness has aggravated a preexisting condition and the extent or duration of that aggravation;

     (5) Establish when the accepted industrial injury or occupational disease/illness has reached maximum medical improvement;

     (6) Establish an impairment rating;

     (7) Evaluate whether the industrial injury or occupational disease/illness has worsened; or

     (8) Evaluate the worker's mental and/or physical restrictions as well as the worker's ability to work.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.32.055, 51.32.112, 51.32.114, 51.36.060, and 51.36.070. 04-04-029, § 296-23-307, filed 1/27/04, effective 3/1/04.]