How To Become A QME

A California qualified medical evaluator (QME), evaluates workers comp injuries to assess for maximum medical improvement, impairment ratings, causation, apportionment, ability to work and future medical.

This is done independently; you do not work for the insurance carrier, the treating doctor, or the applicant. 

You must pass the QME Competency Exam offered by the Division of  Workers’ Compensation (DWC). The exam is given twice per year (April and  October). Complete the APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT AS QUALIFIED MEDICAL EVALUATOR , complete the DWC registration packet, and mail them in with the required $125 examination fee postmarked by the testing window's due date. 

The QME Competency Exam is widely regarded as one of the most challenging tests that California offers. Because it is known to have a high failure rate (approximately 50% of test takers fail on their first attempt), it is highly recommended to take a test prep class and purchase study materials. See the QME Competency Exam info booklet. 

You must also complete a 16-hour QME report writing course from an approved DWC education provider.

In order for a Chiropractor to take the Competency Exam, they must complete a 25-hour training course like our IDE class. By taking this class, your 12-hour report writing requirement is waived.

Examination results will be emailed  approximately 4-6 weeks after the last examination date of the exam period. 

For each case, the state will randomly generate a list of three doctors in the local area. If there is no attorney for the applicant, the applicant receives the list and chooses a doctor. If the applicant has an attorney, the list goes to the insurance adjuster, or their representative, and they select a doctor to eliminate; the list then goes to the applicant’s attorney to eliminate a doctor. Through this process of elimination, the last remaining doctor is assigned the exam. QMEs who build a good reputation by being consistently unbiased toward the insurance carrier as well as the applicant will ultimately get selected for more exams..

When a worker claims an injury– which might be from a one-time instance like a fall or a continuous injury like carpal tunnel– they are typically sent for physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care and/ or medication. As the appointed QME, you evaluate the injured worker, assess their alleged injury and treatment(s) and report your findings as an impairment rating. Your report is used to determine the applicant’s eligibility for California Workers’ Compensation benefits.

A QME must prepare and submit the initial or follow-up comprehensive medical-legal evaluation within 30 days from the date the QME has seen the employee.

A management company handles all of your administrative tasks. They handle your scheduling, obtain the necessary medical records you'll need, conduct a complete patient history, assign a medical assistant for your exam, acquire an interpreter when appropriate, QA and submit your report, and submit billing. 

A few easy ways: 

1. Subscribe 

2. Find us on Facebook 

3. Join the dedicated "QME Resources" Facebook group–  it's a place for QMEs and prospective QMEs to ask questions, share  advice,  learn about what's going on in the industry and more. See you  there! 

The full fee schedule for a workers’ compensation evaluation are set by California law and can be found here. See below for a snapshot.