State of Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission

MEMORANDUM NO. 2020-09

WCC RME AND CME POLICY REGARDING THE USE OF TELEMEDICINE

 

TO: WCC Commissioners, District Administrators, Advisory Board, Legal Advisory Panel, Medical Advisory Panel, Medical Practitioners, Self-Insureds, Insurance Carriers, Medical Care Plans, Attorneys, and Unions
FROM: Stephen M. Morelli, Chairman
DATE: April 1, 2020
RE: WCC RME AND CME POLICY REGARDING THE USE OF TELEMEDICINE

 

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis WCC has decided that RMEs and CMEs can be conducted using telemedicine at the discretion of the doctor. The following procedure will apply:
 

  1. The decision to conduct an RME or CME by telemedicine will be made by the doctor; claimants who refuse to participate, will be subject to the same consequences as if they had failed to attend an in-person appointment.
     
  2. For RMEs and CMEs conducted by telemedicine:
     
    1. Claimants shall advise the doctor at the time of the telemedicine examination if anyone else is present and must identify such person;
       
    2. Attorneys, paralegals and/or hearing representatives are prohibited from being present with a claimant at the time of a telemedicine examination;
       
    3. If claimant or anyone present with claimant intends to record the examination, or any portion of the examination, the doctor must be advised in advance and must expressly consent.
       
  3. In addition, for a CME conducted by telemedicine, the party submitting the medical packet to WCC shall ensure that all diagnostic studies, including images (e.g. CD of MRI, CT-scan) are included in the packet.