Can I perform disability evaluations or provide an opinion or recommendation about a workers compensation claim if it does not involve direct patient contact?
No. Making a decision regarding the medical necessity or appropriateness, for an individual patient, of any treatment or other medical service, constitutes the “practice of medicine.” Despite the fact that the physician does not see or examine the patient, a decision regarding the patient’s medical condition and possible need for further treatment is being made and is considered to be the “practice” of medicine and an active license is required.
