Frequently Asked Questions
QME
Does a doctor need a certification to conduct QME’s?
All QMEs have to be certified by the Division of Workers’ Compensation – Medical Unit to conduct examinations on injured workers. To become a certified QME, a physician must pass an exam (given twice annually), pass a report writing course and submit an application to the DWC.
Which entity in the state of California regulates workers’ compensation?
The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) oversees the administration of workers’ compensation claims and provides both administrative and judicial services to assist in resolving disputes that arise concerning claims for workers’ compensation benefits. The DWC also handles QME testing and licensing.
Who determines the fees for QME’s?
The fees billed for a workers’ compensation evaluation are set by California law and can be found here: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/
Doctors
Does SME offer any assistance with report writing and/or training?
Yes. we offer our doctors a report writing and consulting program. Our medical-legal consultants have extensive experience in the workers’ compensation industry and are certified workers’ compensation professionals.
When conducting an evaluation, will I have anyone assisting me that day?
Yes, we will provide medical assistance on the day of an evaluation. When you are conducting an evaluation through SME at one of SME’s offices, we will provide any and all help needed.
What type of insurance coverage should I have before I perform medical-legal evaluations?
SME requires that our doctors have both Medical Malpractice and Errors & Omissions coverage. We ask that our doctors find out if their current Medical Malpractice policy covers medical-legal evaluations, since most do not. Doctors may carry their own coverage or opt to be covered under SME’s policy, which includes medical malpractice and errors & omissions coverage for medical-legal evaluations performed through SME.
