Re: Open Board Question...for all PART DEUX

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the input....So if you say that are you in violation of the policy and thus could be sanctioned by the board?GarrethEugeneFrom: TFreedlandaol (DOT) com <TFreedlandaol (DOT) com>Subject: Re: Open Board Question...for alldocgumby30 (DOT) com, @grou ps.comDate: Tuesday, July 1, 2008, 10:32 AM

As a chiropractor who performs IMEs, I have specifically requested the transcriptionists and the companies I Ideal with not to use this language. The OBCE is unique in their position, which is:

There is one standard for all chiropractors, whether they be IME, examining, treating, consulting or rehabilitating chiropractors. A professional relationship exists between the patient and the chiropractor, regardless of whether the chiropractor is the examining or treating doctor.

The full test of the policy is located on the OBCE website: http://www.obce. state.or. us/OBCE/pdfs/ IME_Policy_ July06.pdf

Most licensing board (medical and chiropractic) take the position that since the examination is not to establish a treating relationship, the typical doctor-patient relationship does not exist.

The OBCE's position is that a limited doctor-patient relationship does exist, and since it does, all the obligations of such a relationship apply, specifically the doctor must maintain a copy (or access to) his records of the patient encounter (the report), and in the event of a request for medical records, the doctor would need to respond to the request with a copy of his report and potentially any documents completed in relationship to the exam. The doctor would also have an obligation to share any important clinical information with the patient that might significantly impact the patient's health - elevated blood pressure or undetected fracture are two that come to mind.

Unfortunately, most IME companies do not understand this unique position of OBCE and use language that is applicable for the Oregon Board of Medical Examiners or consistent with the other jurisdictions.

There are some significant advantages to the OBCE policy for the IME doctor. If there is some question presented by the party requesting the exam as to why the doctor told the patient about a particular finding, the doctor can simply inform the party that the OBCE says that he must provide this information.

As I have review the policy over the years I have found that I do like the position of the OBCE, and that it is in everyone's best interest.

I hope that answers your question.

Tom Freedland

In a message dated 7/1/2008 10:33:05 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, docgumby30 (DOT) com writes:

Hello all,This is a question for the board, so Minga, I would pre-approve this being addressed by the board. In fact, I think it was already addressed by the board, so perhaps a refresher would be nice.Anyone wanna tackle this statement from a DC IME (and I see it in MD ones too!)."A doctor-patient relationship was neither sought nor established"Go for it.......Garreth MacEugene Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars.