Physicians looking to become Qualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs) in California must pass a competency examination. But how long does the QME exam take, exactly? In today’s post, we provide an answer and offer other useful tips.
What Is a QME? Why Are They Important?
The acronym QME is short for “Qualified Medical Evaluator.”
A QME is a physician certified by the Medical Unit of California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) to examine injured workers and issue medical-legal reports.
The work of QMEs is crucial to the worker’s compensation process because the medical-legal reports they write are used as part of the basis to determine if the injured worker is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Any of the following professionals can become a QME in California if they meet all the necessary requirements:
- Medical doctors
- Doctors of osteopathy
- Doctors of chiropractic
- Dentists
- Optometrists
- Podiatrists
- Psychologists
- Acupuncturists.
How Long Does the California QME Exam Take?
According to the California Department of Industrial relations, applicants have three hours to complete the California QME competency exam.
However, you should facto in in more than the three hours you are allotted for the exam. There is a previous process to complete before taking the exam, so candidates are asked to arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.
QME exams are administered by CPS HR Consulting’s partner, Pearson VUE. Candidates can take the exam at one of Pearson VUE’s many test centers.
To learn more about what QMEs do and the process of becoming a QME in California, take a look at these previous posts:
- How To Become a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) in California
- California QME Exam Questions: What You Need To Know
- Medical Legal Billing: What Is the Difference Between a QME and an AME?
- Can I Appeal My QME Exam Score?
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At Practice IQ, we have made it our mission to take care of the administrative side of medical-legal reports and billing so you can focus on what you do best.
We are located in Pomona, California, and serve clients all over the Golden State. Contact us today by telephone (424-433-5704) or email (piqusinfo@practiceiqusa.com), or fill out the contact form to learn more about our services.