Connecticut RME AND CME POLICY REGARDING THE USE OF TELEMEDICINE

Posted by James AspellMay 21, 20200 Comments

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis the Connecticut Workers Compensation Commission has decided that Respondent's Medical Exams ( RMEs) and Commissioner's Medical Exams (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.