FAQs

Can an IME and FCE be combined?

Yes, Viewpoint offers two products that combine expert medical opinion with the objective data obtained through functional testing. The FAME Report includes an IME performed by a licensed physician as well as full Functional Testing performed by a qualified functional evaluator using the ARCON© or BTE Technologies ER System™ testing system. The physician reviews and then interprets the results of the functional testing and incorporates it into a comprehensive report. All physicians are trained in interpreting functional capacity data and all referral questions are answered by the IME physician only.

Why would I want to add Functional Testing? Isn’t an IME enough?

Functional Testing increases the objectivity of an Independent Medical Evaluation. An IME on its own will provide estimated physical abilities based on the IME physician’s medical expertise; if Functional Testing is added to the IME, the physician can make more accurate conclusions about an individual’s physical abilities and limitations. Through the use of a comprehensive physical ability assessment, the physician’s opinion in the IME is further enhanced by the quantified results provided by functional testing. There are also effort and reliability components to assist the physician in analyzing these areas.

How long does a Functional Capacity Evaluation take?

A Functional Capacity Evaluation can be a single day or multi-day assessment. For a single (one) day FCE, typically testing takes anywhere from 4-8 hours, depending on the level of participation from the examinee. A two-day FCE usually involves 4-8 hours of testing on day one, and 3-6 hours of testing on day two. Multi-day assessments longer than two days can be arranged upon request. Examinees should be advised to bring a lunch on the first day of the assessment, and to wear comfortable loose fitting attire and non-slip shoes.

Why would I choose a multi-day Functional Capacity Evaluation over a one-day FCE?

Multi day assessments are best suited for complex issues such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain. They are also helpful in determining an individual’s tolerance for multiple consecutive days of activity, or are helpful when an individual’s endurance is in question.

What type of file information is required by the physician for an IME?

Firstly, it is imperative that when you send a file to Viewpoint you include a letter of instruction. In this letter, you should outline the referral questions you want the Viewpoint expert to answer in his or her report. In addition, a physician usually likes to receive ambulance and hospital records, treating physician notes and records, consultation reports by specialist physicians, diagnostic (x-ray, etc) reports, rehabilitation/therapy records, and any other independent reports including medical, functional, psychological and vocational assessments that may exist. It is often helpful to have records that pre-date the disability/injury in question in addition to those from post-disability/injury period.

How soon following the assessment will I receive a report?

For industry, auto insurance and life and health insurance cases, you can expect to receive the report within 10 business days following the assessment and for medical legal, within 20 business days following the assessment. If you have a particular deadline, please advise us when you submit your referral, as we will ensure we are able to meet your deadline prior to booking your case. The final report can be provided to you electronically via our secure Client Web Portal, or by mail, courier, or fax. All reports provided electronically are encrypted with 128 bit (equal to the level of online banking) and formatted in PDF for security.

What is the Web Portal?

The Viewpoint Medical Web Portal provides a means to allow clients (insurers, attorneys, etc.) to easily submit and track referrals to Viewpoint Medical via a secure, federal and provincial compliant, easy-to-use web portal; 24x7. The Web Portal contains these features:

• Electronic referral including document upload
• Electronic confirmation
• Tracking of active referrals by status such as “Awaiting Appointment”, “Report Production” and “Complete”
• Exchange of case notes between client and Viewpoint
• The ability to view details such as history notes, documents and letters
• Date, time and user log for all actions on a case
• Notification via email with a secure embedded link when an action on a case is posted to the portal; these include new referrals, notes or documents.
• Electronic transmission/receipt of final reports in a secure format.

I have chosen the specialty I want. How do you decide what particular doctor to use on an IME file?

When a referral is called into Viewpoint, we use a number of parameters to select which physician to use on a particular file. Typical factors include, but are not limited to: area of specialty/expertise; past experience with the injury/disease/disability described; proximity to the examinee; availability of expedited appointment dates.

I have a file and think I need some kind of assessment, but am not exactly sure what I need or what specialty to use. Can you help me decide what, if any services and/or specialty, I require?

We sure can! Simply contact your local office, and a client services coordinator will be pleased to assist you with triaging your file.

What are your fees for Independent Medical Examinations?

Our fees vary depending on the complexity of each case and by region. If we are provided with the documentation in advance of the assessment, we can offer an estimate of total cost. Please contact a Viewpoint office for a cost estimate for your particular case.

Can Viewpoint expedite surgery?

In some cases our consultants will make recommendations for further treatment, which can include surgery. However, Viewpoint does not provide any treatment. Therefore, expedited treatment is not a service we provide at this time.

Do you arrange for transportation of an examinee to his/her appointment(s)?

Yes, we are able to arrange for transportation of an examinee to his/her appointments. This may include but is not limited to arrangement of flights, provision of bus tickets or taxi vouchers, and hotel accommodations as required.

Do you arrange for translation services?

Yes, we are able to arrange for translation services for an examinee.

Will you contact the examinee directly or do I have to contact him/her to make arrangements for the appointment(s)?

This depends on previously made arrangements with Viewpoint. Our normal process is not to contact examinees directly unless directed by you, our client. If you wish to have Viewpoint contact an examinee to make an appointment, we are willing and able to do so. Please contact your local Viewpoint office for more details.

Do you provide any educational courses to clients?

Yes, Viewpoint currently provides seminars on a wide variety of topics. Our diversified and highly knowledgeable consultants and staff design educational seminars to suit client and market specific needs.
Viewpoint believes that both client and consultant education are necessary to maintain high quality assessments. Expert medical consultants assist with formal presentations, “Lunch ‘n Learn”, scientific report dissemination and specific topic educational sessions. These activities are all ongoing at the national and local level and available to all clients, you can contact any Viewpoint office to make arrangements for a Lunch ‘n Learn.

In some cases continuing education credits in the insurance industry is available for attendees.