Independent Medical Evaluations (IME) for Physicians & Physician Assistants in New York

Program Structure & Process

Admission & Initial Evaluation (Sunday Evening – Monday Morning)

• Clients arrive on-site Sunday evening for intake.
• Initial medical and psychiatric stabilization takes place in the dedicated stabilization unit, with 24-hour RN observation to assess for withdrawal symptoms, acute psychiatric concerns, and medical stability.
• A preliminary medical screening will be conducted, including a full history, urine toxicology, blood work and vital sign monitoring.
• If the client exhibits signs of withdrawal, requires detoxification, or self-discloses a substance use disorder, the assessment will be considered a positive indication of a substance use disorder. In such cases, the client will be provided with appropriate resources and recommendations for treatment. They will also have the option to transition into a structured treatment program at Wellbridge, if clinically appropriate.

Multi-Disciplinary Comprehensive Evaluation (Monday – Wednesday)

Clients will undergo structured, objective assessments in the following domains:

1. Medical Evaluation (Addiction Medicine & Internal Medicine Assessment)

• Comprehensive physical exam.
• Review of medical history, prescription records, and toxicology results.
• Assessment of fitness for duty, medication adherence, and any contributing medical conditions.

2. Psychiatric Assessment

• Full psychiatric evaluation including diagnostic assessment for mood, anxiety, trauma, personality, and psychotic disorders.
• Cognitive and executive function screening (if indicated).
• Psychiatric testing to assess decision-making, insight, impulse control, and emotional regulation.

3. Substance Use & Behavioral Health Screening

• Structured clinical interview for substance use disorders using DSM-5 criteria.
• Toxicology screening with confirmation testing.
• Motivational interviewing techniques to assess insight, honesty, and reliability of self
  report.

4. Occupational & Professionalism Assessment

• Analysis of work history and past incidents.
• Peer and supervisor collateral interviews (if applicable).
• Review of documentation related to professionalism concerns.
• Assessment of ability to adhere to professional and ethical standards.

Interdisciplinary Case Review & Report Preparation (Thursday Morning)

• Multi-disciplinary team meeting to discuss findings.
• Development of individualized recommendations for OPMC, including.
  • Fitness for duty assessment.
  • Need for additional monitoring or treatment.
  • Recommendations for continued care, therapy, or professional development.
• Team to contact April Soltren, or designee as instructed, to debrief and provide with
  recommendations.

Client Feedback & Discharge Planning (Thursday Afternoon – Friday Morning)

• Clients will receive an overview of their assessment results and recommendations.
• Discussion of next steps, including ongoing treatment or monitoring if indicated.
• Meeting with continuing care team to develop a transition plan.
• Clients are discharged Friday morning with a finalized assessment report sent to OPMC.

Program Expectations & Compliance

• Clients must participate fully in all scheduled evaluations and adhere to medical
  recommendations.
• Clients must sign all necessary consent forms upon arrival, including those for OPMC
  and for any collaterals deemed necessary by the assessment team. Failure to provide
  necessary collateral contacts will result in failure of the assessment and notification to
  OPMC.
• Clients are required to attend full clinical programming and adhere to facility conduct
  policies.
• After the 24-hour stabilization assessment, clients will be housed in healthcare
  professionals’ designated building on campus and will engage in a specialty track
  addressing physician wellness, stress management, and professional boundary issues.

Cost & Payment Structure

•  Total Cost: $3,600 per assessment (paid by the client).
• Additional Costs: Clients are responsible for blood work and toxicology costs, which
  may or may not be covered by their insurance.
• Included Services:
  • Multi-disciplinary assessments.
  • Shared room accommodations.
  • Three meals per day.
  • Access to full clinical programming.
  • Use of amenities, including gym and pool (if medically cleared).
  • Transportation within a 70-mile radius (train station, ferry, airport)

If a client requires withdrawal management or admits to a substance use disorder at any point,
the IME will be discontinued, considered a positive indication of a substance use disorder, and
recommendations for treatment. Clients who meet criteria for inpatient treatment and choose to
stay for treatment at Wellbridge, will receive a refund for the remaining portion of their IME fee.

Conclusion

Our proposed IME model ensures a thorough, objective, and clinically sound approach to assessing physicians and physician assistants referred by OPMC. By integrating a multidisciplinary evaluation team, structured protocols, and clear expectations for clients, this program will provide OPMC with the necessary data to make informed determinations on fitness for duty, treatment requirements, and professional rehabilitation. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with OPMC in refining this program and look forward to the facility review and approval process.