GA Tip of the Week – IMEs: Costs
By: Zal Linder
I recently presented at a few seminars over the past couple of weeks, and one question I continued to get was about IME’s. As you may recall, when the Board Rules changed on 7/1/15, one of the things that changed was the costs that can now be requested by claimant IME physicians.
Specifically, pursuant to Board Rule 202(b), “the examining physician may require prepayment pursuant to the Fee Schedule base amount for up to the first two hours ($1,200.00). Payment for any additional charges pursuant to the Fee Schedule shall be due within 30 days of receipt of the report and charges by the Employer/Insurer.”
The allocation of $1,200.00 represents an increase from the prior allocation for $600.00 for the first hour. While it is pro-rated out at the same hourly amount, every IME I have seen since the rule change has asked for a minimum of $1,200.00. Clearly, the claimant’s bar is aware of the Rule and so are their doctors. Going forward, please make sure that you are not paying in excess of $1,200.00 for the claimant’s IME. If they ask for more, only agree to the maximum amount of $1,200.00 and then request that the physician provide you documentation after the IME is completed (in addition to their report) as to why it went beyond 2 hours time.
If you have any questions about this, or anything else, please feel free to call or email me anytime.