DWC seeking solutions for providing medical treatment to injured workers during COVID-19 crisis, including Telemedicine

Pursuant to DWC Newsline Dates March 19, 2020, Guidance on Medical Evaluations

The Division of Workers’ Compensation provided recommendations on Qualified Medical Examiner appointments in light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the social distancing measures put in place by federal, state, and local public health agencies.

The DWC is considering the feasibility of telemedicine for QME evaluations to maintain social distancing and mitigate the potential risk of exposure to COVID-19. Conducting a telemedicine QME evaluation requires consent from all parties, including the doctor. The DWC also recognizes that QME appointments will likely be rescheduled or canceled, and that all such occurrences should be documented and communicated to all parties. 

Please note that the DWC’s last bulletin issuing guidance on this issue is dated March 19, 2020. As the situation regarding the COVID-19 outbreak continues to develop, new guidelines will likely be issued to address the changing situation.

Below is a link to the bulletin:

https://www.dir.ca.gov/DIRNews/2020/2020-21.html

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

The viability of telemedicine remains unclear until the DWC issues further guidance. Telemedicine presents challenges in conducting examinations however, telemedicine may ultimately be a safer avenue to protect the health of the doctors, staff, and the injured worker from COVID-19 exposure.

Be safe, stay healthy. 

Goldman, Magdalin & Krikes, LLP