Notwithstanding the provisions of § 42-11-120, in lieu of a medical panel in claims involving occupationally related diseases, at the election of either party or the hearing commissioner, the claimant shall be referred to a medical doctor or doctors who diagnose or treat occupational diseases and who are employed by or associated with one of the medical universities in South Carolina. The findings and testimony of such doctors shall be deemed advisory to, but not binding upon the hearing commissioner. Fees and expenses of such medical examinations shall be paid by the commission unless the claimant prevails in the controversy in which case such fees and expenses will be charged to the losing party.