Frequently Asked Questions by Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

Is there a maximum number of job analyses I can send?
How long before the Independent Medical Evaluation should I send in the job analyses?
Can I include a PCE request with my job analyses?
How do I find out the status of the job analyses?
How long after an Independent Medical Evaluation can I send additional or revised job analyses?
Do I need to provide separate signature pages for each doctor?
How many questions can I include with the job analyses I send?
How do I get a copy of the report?
When will the report be sent out?

Q: Is there a maximum number of job analyses I can send?

A: As many as you like. Remember however, you only are allowed two "free" job analyses at the time of the evaluation. Fees and guidelines for fees are posted online at

http://www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/Files/ProviderPay/FeeSchedules/2006FS/Broadband/MarfsAll.pdf, pp 147 as follows:

1038M Review of Job Descriptions or JA

$ 45.79 Must be requested by insurer, State Fund employer or vocational counselor. Payable to attending provider, IME examiner or consultant. Limit of one per day. Not payable to IME examiner on the same day as the IME is performed. Code is not payable to IME examiners on day of exam.

1028M Review of Job Descriptions or JA, each additional review

$ 34.34 Must be requested by insurer, State Fund employer or vocational counselor. Payable to attending provider, IME examiner or consultant. Bill to the department For IME examiners on day of exam: may be billed for each additional JA after the first two. For IME examiners after the day of exam: May be billed for each additional JA after the initial (initial is billed using 1038M).
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Q: How long before the Independent Medical Evaluation should I send in the job analyses?

A: You may send job analyses as soon as the Independent Medical Evaluation has been scheduled. We request they be in our office no less than three working days prior to the exam for processing. To help streamline the processing of job analyses we ask that you mail them as soon as possible. Please do not fax job analyses and mail them also, as multiple copies can delay processing.
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Q: Can I include a PCE request with my job analyses?

A: No. Only the claims manager can request a physical capacities evaluation.
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Q: How do I find out the status of the job analyses?

A: The job analyses are completed the day of the examination, (if received in time) and the signature pages will be sent with the report as soon as it is completed. However, if the doctors have ordered studies or additional consultations to aid them in reaching their conclusions, the job analyses will be signed and faxed only when those results are available. The claims manager will be updated regularly regarding the status and timetable for studies.
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Q: How long after an Independent Medical Evaluation can I send additional or revised job analyses?

A: The sooner the better. As time goes by, the doctors must rely more heavily upon the IME report than their memory. Try not to let more than three months go by, and understand that they will only be able to comment on the job analyses based on their exam report. If you wish new medical information to be considered, a re-examination will be necessary.
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Q: Do I need to provide separate signature pages for each doctor?

A: No. We prefer you provide a single signature page which all of the doctors will sign. Some sub-specialties, however (dentist, urologist, etc.) may not be able to comment on job analyses due to the nature of their field of expertise. Please try to analyze which doctors should review and sign the job analyses. A "shotgun" approach to signatures serves merely to delay completion.
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Q: How many questions can I include with the job analyses I send?

A: Carol Britton, IME Project Manager in the Provider Review and Education Unit of the Department of Labor & Industries has advised that the claims manager must approve all questions asked of the physicians. Any questions we receive that have not come directly from the claims manager will be discarded.
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Q: How do I get a copy of the report?

A: The claims manager will provide you with a copy on request.
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Q: When will the report be sent out?

A: Our goal is to mail the final report to the claims manager within seven working days of the last exam. If any delay occurs due to tests, consultations or other studies ordered by the panel, the claims manager will have the most up-to-date information on the status of the report and the projected mailing date.
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