FAQs

To become a QME, you must meet the requirements that are listed in Labor Code section 139.2. If you meet these requirements, you should submit a completed application form to the Division of Workers’ Compensation Medical Unit. You also must submit a test registration form. Prior to becoming a QME you have to pass the QME competency exam. Tests are scheduled twice a year in April and Oct. Upon passing the test and paying the QME annual fee, you will be a certified QME. (Labor Code § 139.2(b) (n), 8 CCR § 10). Prior to appointment as a QME, a physician is required to take a 12-hour course about writing medical legal reports. (8 CCR § 11.5)

A properly completed application for appointment and an exam registration form must be received, or postmarked, 45 calendar days prior to the date of the exam. (8 CCR § 11(f)(4))

Interpreter service must be from a state certified interpreter. The QME should note in the appointment notification form that a certified interpreter is required. When making the appointment, your staff should ask the injured worker which language is needed. The claims adjuster will make the necessary arrangements and also pay the interpreter. (Labor Code § 5811, 8 CCR § 9795.3, 8 CCR § 34(c))

You must complete the QME form 112 (QME/AME Time Frame Extension Request) and send the original to the DWC Medical Unit with copies to the injured worker and the insurance carrier five days before the report is due to be served on the parties. The  valid reasons for an extension are : 1) you requested that the injured worker have medical tests and you are waiting for the results 2) you requested a consult and are waiting for the consultant’s report 3) good cause (medical emergency for you or your family, death in your family, natural disaster or other community catastrophes that interrupt the operation of the evaluator’s office): The computer breaking down or a staff member quitting are not considered good cause. Extensions for good cause may not exceed 15 days from the date the report is required to be served.

You may not request an extension because the carrier failed to provide the injured worker’s medical records or previous medical tests. (Labor Code § 139.2(l)(A), 8 CCR § 38)

If the extension is being requested due to good cause as defined above, you may receive a maximum extension of 15 days. If the extension is being requested because you are writing for test results or a consult report, then you may receive a maximum extension of 30 days.

You have 60 days from the date of the written request for a supplemental report. The time frame may be extended up to 30 additional days if the parties agree without the need to request an extension from the medical director. (8 CCR § 38(h))

You may only consult physicians who have treated the injured worker for this injury. ( 8 CCR § 35(i) and (j))

A QME who knows, or should know, that he or she has a disqualifying conflict of interest (see 8 CCR § 41.5) with any person or entity listed in subdivision 41.5(c), that also is involved in the case the evaluator is handling, must notify the parties in writing of the conflict of interest using QME form 123. A QME may disqualify himself or herself also for conflict of interest whenever the evaluator has a relationship with a person or entity in the case that causes the evaluator to decide it would be unethical to perform a comprehensive medical-legal evaluation in the case. (8 CCR §41.5(e) The parties in a represented case may waive a QME’s conflict of interest by complying with the written documentation as stated in. (8 CCR § 41.6 (c)(3).

Whenever a QME makes an appointment for a comprehensive medical-legal evaluation, the QME must complete a QME Appointment Notification Form (Form 110). No Form 110 is acceptable if it contains formatting or any language that is in addition to or different from that stated in the version published on the DIR Web site and no exceptions to this policy will apply. To “complete” the form, the QME must ensure that all of the blanks are filled out with complete and accurate information received from the party requesting the appointment.

The selected QME’s name must be entered on two lines, with: (1) a signature entered when the QME is satisfied that the form has been filled out with complete and accurate information, and (2) the QME’s name printed or typed immediately below the signature.

If the QME determines that a consultation is necessary, and  the consulting physician is not selected by the parties from a QME panel issued by the Medical Unit, the referring QME must arrange the consultation appointment and advise the injured employee and the claims administrator, or if none the employer, using Form 110. For clarity, it is appropriate to indicate the consulting physician’s name on the same line as “location of appointment.”

The completed Form 110 must be postmarked or sent by facsimile to the employee and the claims administrator, or if none the employer, within five business days of the date the appointment was made. In a represented case, a copy of the completed form shall also be sent to the attorney who represents each party, if known.