Qualified Medical Evaluation: What It Is and Why You Need One [2022]
If you are hurt at work and are undergoing treatment with your employer's doctors, then you need to know, what is a Qualified Medical Evaluation (QME). You may have received paperwork from the adjuster in the mail about it. The form gives you the opportunity to object to the determinations of your workers' compensation treating doctor. If you haven't received any paperwork, then you should consult with an attorney or with the Information and Assistance Unit.
This article will answer some of the most common questions about QMEs: what they are, what they do, and whether or not you need one. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is A Qualified Medical Evaluation
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The QME process is separate from changing your primary treating physician (PTP). If you disagree with the opinions of your PTP, then you can request a QME. Disputes often arise between employers and employees over the extent of an injury and what benefits are owed. In these cases, a QME is brought in to offer an unbiased professional opinion.
Qualified Medical Evaluations are an important part of the workers' compensation process. A QME is a physician who has been specifically trained to evaluate injured workers. They must meet certain educational and licensing requirements in order to qualify. Additionally, they are required to pass a test and participate in continuing education courses. QMEs are supposed to be impartial when assessing an injury and offer an opinion as to its severity.
What Do Qualified Medical Evaluators Do For Injured Workers
What Is A Qualified Medical Evaluation
Qualified Medical Evaluators are brought in to offer an unbiased professional opinion about an injury. They will review the injured worker's medical records, speak to them about their injuries, and may even conduct a physical examination. Based on this information, the QME will offer an opinion as to the extent of the injury and what benefits the injured worker is entitled to.
Qualified Medical Evaluation Report: What's In It
The Qualified Medical Evaluator will prepare a report that will be submitted to the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board. This report can either help or hurt your claim depending on the extent of your injuries. If the Qualified Medical Evaluator finds that you have a severe injury, then you will likely be entitled to receive more benefits. However, if the Qualified Medical Evaluator finds that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or your PTP says, then you may receive less in benefits or none at all.
It is important to remember that Qualified Medical Evaluations are just one part of the workers' compensation process. Your treating physician's opinion will also be considered when making a determination about your benefits. You definitely need to read Workers Comp Benefits Explained to see what benefits you could be entitled to receive by the QME.
Why You Need A Qualified Medical Evaluation
Qualified Medical Evaluation: What It Is and Why You Need One
Qualified Medical Evaluations are an important part of the workers' compensation process. They ensure that injured workers receive fair and impartial treatment. If you have been injured at work, it is important to know your rights and whether or not you need a QME.
So, do you need a QME? It depends. A QME evaluation could either help or hurt your claim, depending on the findings. If you have any questions about Qualified Medical Evaluations, be sure to speak with an experienced workers' compensation attorney. They can help you understand the process and ensure that your rights are protected.
What Is An Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME)
The QME process differs slightly when you obtain the services of an attorney. In this case, your claims administrator may work with you to find an agreed-upon doctor to conduct the evaluation. This doctor, called an agreed medical evaluator (AME), will ultimately serve the same purpose as the QME in helping to decide what benefits an injured worker is entitled to.
What's the Difference Between an AME and QME?
The main difference between an AME and a QME is that an AME is agreed upon by both the employer and the employee. This can help to expedite the process since both parties have already agreed on who will be conducting the evaluation. Qualified Medical Evaluations, on the other hand, are conducted by a QME who is chosen at random from a list of Qualified Medical Evaluators.
How Do I Choose a Qualified Medical Evaluator?
If you are injured at work and need to choose a Qualified Medical Evaluator, you can request a list of QMEs from your claims administrator. Once you have the list, you can choose any QME that you want. However, it is important to remember that the Qualified Medical Evaluator chosen at random from the list may not be the best Qualified Medical Evaluator for your particular case.
It is important to choose a Qualified Medical Evaluator who is familiar with your type of injury and who has experience treating injured workers. You may also want to choose a Qualified Medical Evaluator who is located near you. This can make it easier for you to get to your appointments and avoid having to miss work.
Help From Workers Compensation Lawyers
If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. However, the process of obtaining these benefits can be complex and confusing. An experienced workers' compensation lawyer can help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights are protected. If you have been injured at work and are concerned about a Qualified Medical Evaluation (QME), contact the workers' compensation lawyers at Napolin Accident Injury Lawyer today. We offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose. Schedule yours today.
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