New independent medical examinations panel to be established for WorkCover Qld

WorkCover Queensland’s independent medical examinations (IME) panel will be undergoing a review.

The panel consists of a team of medical professionals who provide WorkCover with an independent opinion about worker injuries, as well as offering permanent impairment assessments to workers.

The IME panel is made up of specialists trained in specific areas of clinical knowledge and can have an important part to play in clarifying medical aspects about a work-related injury. The purpose of the IME panel is not to provide treatment, but rather conduct independent medical examinations and then provide a report to WorkCover.

The current IME panel arrangement will end on 6 July 2018. To ensure the best possible coverage across all specialties, WorkCover will advertise for new IME panel members through an open tender that will start in late October 2017.

WorkCover will provide a simple, streamlined process and engage an expert, independent medical practitioner to help us with panel selection. Feedback from customers and stakeholders will also be considered as part of the tender process. To be considered for the IME panel, members must be Queensland based and able to provide evidence of expertise in any sub-specialty areas.

More information, including time frames and the selection criteria, will be available in the coming weeks on this website. The final tender will be published on the Queensland Government eTender website.