Becoming a QME is not complicated as long as you’re qualified.
Qualified medical evaluators or QMEs are a group of qualified physicians who have been certified by the Division of Workers’ Compensation Medical Unit to examine and test injured workers, evaluate their disabilities, and then write medical and legal QME reports.
Becoming a QME in California is a rewarding job, but before you can get your license, you have to first go through a rigorous process.
Step 1
Check the requirements under Labor Code section 139.2 to know if you are qualified to work as a QME.
Step 2
If you find that you are qualified for the said profession, the next step is to submit a completed application form to the DWC’s Unit – California Workers Compensation.
Step 3
Alongside your completed application form, you also need to submit a test registration form.
Step 4
After which, you need to take and pass the QME competency exam which are typically scheduled twice a year – April or October. A payment of $125 should be made for those who wish to take the exam.
If you pass the exam, you can become a registered QME in California in no time.
In addition to these steps, here are some tips on how to ensure that you can take the exam on time, and actually pass it with flying colors.
Tip 1
All application forms needs to be submitted 45 days prior to the examination schedule.
Tip 2
After submitting all of your requirements, the administrative director from the Medical Office Management will send out an email to let you know if your application has been approved or rejected.
Examination Dates and Venues
As of late, there are two examination venues for those who wish to become a QME. One site is in Southern California, and the other site is in Northern California.
Final examination venues are usually announced 14 days before the examination date that you will find in your confirmation letter.
Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. and the actual exam starts at 10 a.m. All examinees are expected to finish their exam within three hours.
Meanwhile, the Department of Industrial Relations has provided would-be QMEs a complete list of the application forms and other details needed for the application.
If you want to be able to write qualified medical evaluation to help injured workers, make sure to familiarize yourself with all of these requirements now. A QME test for the new batch of examinees takes place every year. Check the DWC Website for more information.
Contact TukkoMed today and find out how we can make your medical practice easier and more productive.