A.B.I.M.E. Certification

What It Means to be A.B.I.M.E. Certified
 

The American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME) was established to enhance the quality of independent medical examinations by creating a voluntary process of standard setting, definition of competencies, and performance evaluation.
 

The ABIME is organized into four bodies.  The small working board of directors spans five medical specialties.  A standards committee is comprised of five physicians.  An examination committee has ten physicians in eight specialties and is assisted by an independent professional examination organization.  A 16-member board of advisors represents insurers, state workers’ compensation boards, employers, professional societies, benefits consultants, and other public interests.
 

 Requirements for certification by A.B.I.M.E.

1. A current unrestricted medical license.

2. A record clear of any disciplinary action for an ethical or other offense as imposed by a state board of medical licensure within the last five years.

3. Board certification in a specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or documentation that an applicant has been involved in the practice of medicine 10 years prior to the submission of an A.B.I.M.E. application.

4. Completion of at least 15 hours of continuing medical education (AMA Category 1) in impairment rating and independent medical examination within the 3 years prior to taking the examination.

5. Signed agreement to abide by the A.B.I.M.E Guidelines of Conduct.  (See Code of Responsibility)

6. Satisfactory completion of a rigorous written examination of approximately 100 questions.

Job Tasks of an Independent Medical Examiner

 

*Clinical Evaluation:

1. Assess current symptomatology, including location, progression,         character, intensity, variability, frequency, duration, migration pattern, and precipitating/aggravating factors.

2. Determine past medical and family history, as pertinent.

3. Review, interpret, and analyze medical records.

4. Perform physical examination pertinent to problem and discipline, identifying negative, positive, non-physiologic, and behavioral findings.

5. Review diagnostic studies.

 *Clinical Findings Analysis:

1. Estimate expected date of full or partial recovery.

2. Determine the medical basis for concluding that the condition and the examinee’s symptoms have or have not become stable, eg, achieved maximal medical improvement.

3. Determine whether restrictions or accommodations are warranted with respect to daily activities or activities that are required to meet personal, social, and occupational demands.

*Impairment Evaluation:

1. Specify and utilize the impairment guides appropriate for the situation and the state.

2. Explain impairment values with specific reference to the criteria in applicable guidelines.

*Disability Evaluation:

1. Review and analyze functional assessments.

2. Define functional ability and any medically necessary and supportable restrictions.

3. Provide information on reasonable accommodations and direct threat.

*Report Writing:

1. List diagnoses

2. Respond to specific issues requested by client.

3. Provide opinions regarding causality, MMI, Permanency and prognosis.

4. Provide recommendations on diagnostic evaluation, treatment, return to work, and case management as requested by client.

*Medical Testimony:

1. Participate in depositions.

2. Provide testimony.