If you are a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) in California, understanding the medical legal evaluation time frames is essential. With that in mind, today we tell you everything you need to know about how much time you have to complete a QME Report.
How Much Time Do I Have To Complete the QME Report?
QMEs are required to prepare and submit an initial or follow-up comprehensive medical-legal evaluation within 30 days from the date when they saw the employee.
Extensions can be requested, but they are granted only for valid reasons, which fall into one of three categories:
- You requested that the injured worker have medical tests and you need to wait for the result.
- You requested a consult and are waiting for the consultant’s report.
- Good cause (medical emergency for you or your family, death in your family, natural disaster or other community catastrophes that interrupt the operation of your office).
What You Need To Keep in Mind
Before you request a QME report extension, it is worth keeping in mind that:
- Incidents like your computer breaking down or a staff member quitting are not considered valid reasons.
- You may not request an extension because the carrier failed to provide the injured worker’s medical records or previous medical tests.
- Extensions for good cause may not exceed 15 days from the date the report is required to be served.
Note that if you fail to prepare and serve the initial or follow-up comprehensive medical-legal evaluation within the thirty-day time frame and fail to obtain approval for an extension, the employee or the employer may request a QME replacement.
For more tips and information about QMEs, check out our previous blogs, “QMEs and Interpreters: What You Need To Know,” “Is There a Fee To Be a QME in California?” and “California QME Exam Questions: What You Need To Know”
Practice IQ: Medical Billing Services in California
At Practice IQ, we understand the challenges healthcare professionals face in today’s fast-paced world. That’s why 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. Get in touch today by telephone (424-433-5704) or email (piqusinfo@practiceiqusa.com), or fill out the contact form to learn more about our services.
