Some California workers' compensation claims are quick and straightforward. The employee has an obvious injury that directly relates to the job that they do, and their employer acknowledges that they need support. The worker will apply for and receive benefits, and...
QMEs
QMEs
What is a QME, and when do I need to see one?
If you are injured at work and make a claim to obtain workers' compensation, there is a chance that you will need to see a medical professional for a qualified medical evaluation. This evaluation can be requested when your claim is denied or delayed and you’d like a...
Why you want input on your qualified medical evaluator
If you are applying for California workers’ compensation benefits, you could face opposition from the claims administrator about the severity or cause of your workplace injury. They might even question whether the illness or injury was employment-related at all....
Who covers the expense of traveling for a QME or panel QME?
California is a very big state with millions of residents and thousands of medical practitioners. Thankfully, the size of the state and its population means a well-structured and funded workers' compensation program. Unfortunately, the large size of the state can...
How does California assign a QME to injured workers?
If you suffer an injury at work or develop a job-related medical condition, you will likely apply for workers' compensation benefits. Under California's system, you need to have an evaluation performed by a qualified medical evaluator (QME) before you receive...
What is a qualified medical examiner?
You fall from a ladder at work and break your arm. You’re not even a doctor, and you know full well that it’s broken. You assume you can work with any doctor to come to that same conclusion, but you’ve heard that you may need to seek out a qualified medical examiner...
Steps should you take if you can’t make your qualified medical examination
Countless Californians suffer injuries while on the job each year. The state requires almost every employer to have workers' compensation coverage in case such an event occurs. It's in situations where there are questions about how much in benefits you may be eligible...
Information about the QME process
Those living and working in California may want to know more about the QME as it relates to compensation for injured workers and the Division of Workers' Compensation Medical Unit. It is important to understand the QME when it comes to claims and navigation through...
See eye to eye with insurers by standing on qualified shoulders
Medical bills and missing work are ingredients for disaster, so you want all the help you can get from workers’ compensation. The insurance company might not want to hear what you and your doctor have to say, but a third party could step in and set things straight....