Sometimes there is confusion between a QME, an AME, a QME Panel and other bodies involved in the California workers’ compensation process. In this article we explore some of the key principles. QME/AME General Definition A Qualified Medial Examiner (QME) has been certified by the state of California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) to […]
Today we cover the panel case of Parker v. DSC Logistics. Covering everyone’s favorite topic, this case was – again – litigated, appealed, and reversed. That topic, of course, is what clogs up the Boards, runs up the billable hours, and makes workers’ comp such a busy bee-hive of activity: a panel dispute! Applicant filed a claim […]
Becoming a Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) provides California doctors the opportunity to evaluate cases from injured workers. The primary task is often to evaluate disability and write medical-legal reports addressing the patient’s impairment level. Physicians who are certified by the Division of Workers’ Compensation – Medical Unit as QMEs have gone through a stringent selection […]
We get many requests for QME exam study materials. Since all our courses can be read for free online, we recommend browsing through some of our QME CE courses to familiarize oneself with what topics could be covered on the QME exam. Here’s a list of topics that we think are important and what the DWC […]
In August of 2013, the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) made a plea to receive comments on its proposed changes to the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS). More recently in November 2014, the DWC posted a second 15-day notice, alerting all to the proposed regulations which over time have started to take shape. The DWC maintains public online […]
Cases involving personal injury and workers’ compensation often require expert opinion from a physician who can evaluate a claimant’s impairment related to a specific injury. The Department of Workers’ Compensation Medical Unit appoints QMEs (qualified medical evaluators) to perform these medical evaluations. The Medical Unit also issues QME panels to injured workers and claims administrators. […]
Alright dear readers, you’ve made it – it’s Wednesday, and the ripples of last week’s en banc decisions are starting to fade. Before too long, it will be Friday again, and it will be business as usual in the world of workers’ compensation. The second decision of the two released last week by the WCAB, […]
California’s disability evaluation guidelines previously evaluated levels of impairment to injured workers. The state now uses the American Medical Association (AMA)’s Guide to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. The AMA periodically issues new editions of the Guides at pace with advances in diagnoses, philosophy, and medical treatment. In cases that involve the user of the AMA […]
It appears, dear readers, that in response to a post recently offered on this humblest of blogs, a frenzied mob stormed the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, tearing up separator sheets, burning AMA Guides, 6th Edition, copies in a bonfire while decrying heresy, and professing that the 5th Edition is the one, true method of rating permanent impairment. […]