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:
- 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.
- For RMEs and CMEs conducted by telemedicine:
- Claimants shall advise the doctor at the time of the telemedicine examination if anyone else is present and must identify such person;
- Attorneys, paralegals and/or hearing representatives are prohibited from being present with a claimant at the time of a telemedicine examination;
- 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.
- 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.