Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

Occupational and environmental medicine focuses on the interactions between work, health and the environment.

Doctors who specialize in this field prevent, evaluate, and manage adverse health effects from work and environmental hazards.

Individuals can be exposed to chemicals, sources of traumatic injury, occupational diseases, and hazardous physical agents in their jobs.

Any of these exposures can cause injury or disease, which can occur immediately or even after years or decades.

Understanding these issues and their effects constitutes the core of occupational medicine.

 

What is an Independent Medical Evaluation?

Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs) are examinations performed by a physician not involved in an individual’s care for the purpose of clarifying medical and job issues.
Click here to read more about IMEs.

What is an impairment rating?

These ratings are based on functional limitations and are calculated according to the AMA Guides, 6th Edition.
Click here to read more about Impairment Ratings.

What are the doctor's credentials?

Dr. Schumpert has been practicing Occupational and Environmental Medicine for more than 25 years. He is a Doctor of Medicine (MD), holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) with emphasis in Environmental and Occupational Health, and is board-certified in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. In addition, Dr. Schumpert is a Fellow of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Click here to read more about Dr. Schumpert.

Will I see the doctor again for a follow up appointment or treatment?

Because the IME physician is not a treating doctor, no follow-up appointments will take place with the IME physician who examines you.  In rare cases, a second IME may be requested to address additional questions.  The REOH physician who examines you will not be assuming care or directing future treatment for your occupational or environmental injury/illness.   

Should I bring anything to my appointment?

You do not need to bring anything to your IME unless a questionnaire is sent to you by REOH. The requesting party of your IME will provide REOH with past medical records. However, you may bring any other materials to your appointment which you believe may be helpful for the physician to review during the evaluation. Note that we do not have childcare available during your appointment and animals/pets are not allowed in our facilities.

Why is an IME considered independent?

The IME physician is not a treating doctor and can objectively evaluate past treatment or proposed treatment recommendations (i.e., the IME physician’s recommendations are not contingent on future care or treatment of the individual). Reimbursement for an IME is not contingent upon any specific conclusions from the examination. For example, conclusions from a REOH IME may confirm or refute issues regarding the relationship of the injury or illness to work.

How long does an appointment take?

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment. On average, appointments last one hour. Due to our schedule, we will not be able to see you sooner if you arrive early.

Will a copy of the IME report or diagnostic test results be provided to me?

After your IME is completed, the REOH physician who examined you will provide a written report to the party who scheduled your appointment. You may request a copy of the IME report from REOH staff. In conjunction with your IME, the REOH physician who examines you may order diagnostic studies or screening tests to address IME questions. You will not return to this office after diagnostic studies are completed, nor will REOH contact you regarding the results. Test results will be sent to the party who requested your appointment. The final IME report will also include a summary of the test results.

Where are your offices located? 

Headquarters:

210 East Pine Street, Suite 100, Missoula, MT 59802

Satellite Locations:

Billings, MT Directions - 303 N. Broadway, Suite 816 59101

Great Falls, MT Directions - 25 14th Ave NW, 59404

Kalispell, MT Directions - 2427 US Highway 2 East, 59901

Helena , MT Directions - 1005 Partridge Place, Suite 3, 59601

Contact us to inquire about other locations.

Where can I park?

For directions and parking information please visit our Contact page. For Missoula appointments, we will provide you with change for the meter (located at the center of the block).