(a) Medical examinations and tests authorized by the deputy commissioner shall be conducted, if possible, in the vicinity of the miner's residence by physicians or in medical facilities selected from a list compiled by the Secretary, or by a physician or medical facility approved by the deputy commissioner at the miner's request.
(b) If any medical examination or test conducted under paragraph (a) of this section is not administered or reported in compliance with the provisions of part 718 of this subchapter, the deputy commissioner shall schedule the miner for further examination and testing where necessary and appropriate.
(c) The cost of any medical examination or test authorized under this section, including the cost of travel to and from the examination, shall be paid by the fund. No reimbursement for overnight accommodations shall be authorized unless the deputy commissioner determines that an adequate testing facility is unavailable within one day's round trip travel by automobile from the miner's residence. The fund shall be reimbursed for such payments by an operator, if any, found liable for the payment of benefits to the claimant.