Independent medical examinations – Pain management specialist fee schedule

Examination & report:
Inclusive of reading time (up to 200 pages), conducting the examination, report writing and any incidentals (such as postage, photography and faxing services). Diagnostic tests (such as X-rays) carried out as a necessary part of the examination are not included in the examination and report item code and will be reimbursed in accordance with WorkSafe policies, the relevant Medicare Benefit Schedule item code and WorkSafe's Reimbursement Rates for Medical Practitioners.

Report reading 201+ pages:
Flat fee payable once only per WorkSafe Agent report for any pre-reading above the included 200 pages.

Interpreter loading:
Applies as a loading to the IME exam and report fee where a qualified interpreter is required in order to conduct the assessment and additional examination time is required (not applicable for support persons). The interpreter must have been pre-booked by the Agent.

Subsequent examination & report:
Applies where a WorkSafe Agent requests an additional examination and report by the same IME within 12 months of a previous examination and report for the same claim.

Urgent Examination and Report:
- Applies when a WorkSafe Agent has requested IME to complete any type of exam and provide the report to the WorkSafe Agent within 2 business days. The WorkSafe Agent and IME must agree to the expedited time frame prior to accepting the referral.

Supplementary report:
Applies where a WorkSafe Agent has requested additional response from the IME that was not requested in the initial IME referral. Supplementary reports may be requested when Agents:
- provide additional information not initially provided which may impact IME opinion
- ask additional questions that were not included in initial referral
The IME must have examined the injured worker within the last 6 months. An IME is not required to conduct a re-examination (or re-contact) the injured worker in order to provide the additional information.

Interim report:
Applies when there is a request by a WorkSafe agent to provide information prior to receiving the final IME written report. The advice from the IME must be provided in writing by email.

Non-attendance on day of appointment:
Applies where an IME appointment is cancelled by the WorkSafe Agent on the day of appointment or where the injured worker does not attend.

Cancellation by agent within two business days of appointment:
Applies where an IME appointment is cancelled by the WorkSafe Agent within 2 business days of the scheduled appointment.