Interested in becoming a Qualified Medical Evaluator in California? Then keep reading to learn what you need to do to get certified by the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
What Is a QME?
The acronym “QME” stands for “Qualified Medical Evaluator.
A QME is a physician certified by California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) to examine injured workers and write medical-legal reports. These reports, in turn, are used to determine if the injured worker is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
According to the State of California Department of Industrial Relations, QMEs include medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, doctors of chiropractic, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, psychologists, and acupuncturists.
To learn more about what a QME does, be sure to check our previous blogs: “Medical Legal Billing in California: What Is a QME Doctor Deposition?” and “The DWC Intends to Extend Emergency Regulations for Medical-Legal Evaluations.”
California’s DWC Is Accepting Applications for QMEs
The DWC has announced that it’s accepting applications for new QMEs.
The Competency Examination will take place between October 15, 2022, and October 22, 2022.
In order to take the exam, physicians must submit an Application for Appointment as Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) and a registration packet (to download the documents, just click on the links).
The application and all required documents have to be reviewed and approved by the DWC before you can register for the exam.
Qualified registrants will receive a confirmation letter and a candidate information booklet by email.
It’s important to note that physicians are required to pay a $125.00 fee to sit for any upcoming QME evaluation. Registrants are required to send their registration and application forms along with a $125.00 check payable to “Division of Workers’ Compensation” to:
Division of Workers’ Compensation MedicalP O Box 71010
Oakland, CA 94612
Attn: Examination Coordinator / QME EXAM MEDICAL UNIT
Or the street address for express delivery:
1515 Clay Street 18th FloorOakland, CA 94612
Attn: Examination Coordinator / QME EXAM MEDICAL UNIT
In order to qualify for the October exam, the application must be postmarked by September 1, 2022.
On this link, you will find a competency examination booklet and other useful materials. For more information, call 1-800-794-6900 or (510) 286-3700 or send an email to QMETest@dir.ca.gov
Practice IQ: Medical Legal Billing in California
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