IMEs via telecommunication connect expert specialists to rural locations.
Various regions, especially rural areas, face a shortage of Independent Medical Exam (IME) doctors. Our Virtual IME connects experts with injured individuals in these areas, providing convenient and timely results.
Addressing the misconception:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine appointments increased significantly as social distancing and lockdowns shifted healthcare online. This shift allowed patients to receive confidential care from the comfort and convenience of their homes. Similarly, Merit Medical utilizes HIPAA-compliant technology to conduct IMEs virtually. However, instead of having the injured person at their home, we partner with conveniently located physical therapy (PT) clinics where the exam takes place in a medical setting.
Our approach:
Merit Medical first implemented virtual IMEs in 2018 in collaboration with physicians, physical therapists, and software developers. This innovative approach to IMEs conveniently connects injured persons to a doctor from our network of specialists matched to the specific injury. The exam is conducted at a partnering physical therapy clinic, where a licensed physical therapist performs the physical portion of the exam under the remote doctor’s direction.
On the appointment day, the injured person arrives at the cooperating PT clinic. The physical therapist administers the medical history questionnaire, takes vital signs, and accompanies the injured person to the exam room. There, the doctor joins remotely via HIPPA-compliant Zoom, using a high-definition camera and audio equipment. The doctor reviews the medical history and injury details, directs the physical exam, and addresses any questions or concerns the injured person may have. After the appointment, the doctor will issue their report of findings.
Our Telemedicine Locations
- Bridgeport, NE (Morrill County Community Hospital)
- Norfolk, NE (Jacobsen Therapy Services)
- North Platte, NE (Sandhills Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab)
- Omaha, NE (Merit Medical Evaluations)
- Saint Joseph, MO (SERC Physical Therapy)
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