6. QME Availability and Reports Medical legal Expense 4 Flashcards
What should be done if an evaluator determines that another specialty is needed for evaluating medical conditions?
If the evaluator recommends that a new evaluator in another specialty is needed to evaluate one or more disputed medical conditions outside their areas of clinical competence this recommendation should be made clear.
What is a possible scenario in which a new evaluator is needed?
A new evaluator may be needed if the injured worker is unrepresented or if the parties in a represented case cannot agree on an Agreed Medical Evaluator.
What is an Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME)?
An Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME) is a neutral evaluator chosen by the parties involved in a workers’ compensation case to assess medical issues and offer an unbiased opinion.
What is one of the orders that can be given by a Workers’ Compensation Administrative Law Judge in regards to evaluators?
A Workers’ Compensation Administrative Law Judge can order a panel of Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) physicians and designate a party to select the specialty or specify the specialty to be selected along with the residential or employment zip code for random selection of evaluators.
What process should take place in an unrepresented case to add an additional QME evaluator?
In an unrepresented case the parties must confer with an Information and Assistance Officer and explain the need for an additional QME evaluator.
What is the importance of timely evaluations in workers’ compensation claims?
Timely evaluations are crucial in workers’ compensation claims as they facilitate the resolution of disputes and ensure that injured workers receive appropriate care and compensation.
What factors could influence the selection of a QME?
Factors that could influence the selection of a QME include the specialty required the evaluator’s area of clinical competence the residential or employment-based zip code and the parties’ agreement on a neutral evaluator.
Define ‘Information and Assistance Officer’ within the context of workers’ compensation cases.
An Information and Assistance Officer provides support and information to injured workers and other parties involved in workers’ compensation claims helping them navigate the process and understand their rights.
Why might a worker be unrepresented in a workers’ compensation case?
A worker may be unrepresented due to a lack of resources understanding of the legal process or access to legal representation which can make it challenging for them to navigate their claim.
What impact does an unrepresented worker’s case have on the need for additional evaluation?
If a worker is unrepresented and a need for additional evaluation arises it is essential to ensure they have proper guidance and resources to address their medical and legal needs effectively.
What is the general process for resolving disputed medical issues in workers’ compensation cases?
The general process involves evaluating the disputed medical issues selecting appropriate evaluators (either agreed upon by the parties or designated by a judge) conducting evaluations and addressing any recommendations for additional evaluations as needed.
What is the role of the Information and Assistance Officer in the panel request process?
The Information and Assistance Officer assists the parties in reaching an agreement regarding disputed issues and is involved in the process of requesting an additional Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) panel.
How can the parties confer with the Information and Assistance Officer?
The parties may confer with the Information and Assistance Officer either in person or by conference call.
What sections of the Labor Code are cited regarding the authority for the procedures mentioned?
The authority cited includes Sections 133 139.2 4061 4062 4062.3 4062.5 5307.3 and 5703.5 of the Labor Code.
Which sections of the Labor Code are referenced in relation to consultations?
The referenced sections include 139.2 4061 4062 4062.1 4062.2 4062.3 4064 and 4067 of the Labor Code.
When was the new section filed and when did it become operative?
The new section was filed on January 13 2009 and became operative on February 17 2009.
What amendments were made to the subsections b1 and b3 and when?
The amendments to subsections b1 and b3 were filed on December 31 2012 as an emergency measure and became operative on January 1 2013.
What will happen if a Certificate of Compliance is not transmitted by July 1 2013?
If a Certificate of Compliance is not transmitted to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) by July 1 2013 the emergency language will be repealed by operation of law the following day.
What is the importance of Sections 4062.1 and 4067 in the context of consultations?
Sections 4062.1 and 4067 provide further context and guidance regarding medical evaluations and the procedures related to workers’ compensation claims which are relevant during consultations.
What is meant by ‘disputed issues’ in this context?
Disputed issues refer to disagreements between parties involved in a workers’ compensation claim which may require additional evaluation or mediation to resolve.
What does ‘QME’ stand for in the context of this document?
‘QME’ stands for Qualified Medical Evaluator a professional who evaluates the medical aspects of work-related injuries.
What is the role of an acupuncturist in evaluating disability issues according to the provided text?
An acupuncturist selected by an injured worker from a three-member panel is responsible for requesting a consultation from a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) to evaluate the disability issues. Additionally the acupuncturist must evaluate all other issues necessary for a complete evaluation.
What must an acupuncturist do if they require a consulting QME for evaluating disability issues?
If the QME acupuncturist requests a QME to provide the consulting evaluation the Medical Director is required to issue a panel within fifteen (15) days of the request in the specialty selected by the QME acupuncturist.
Can a QME obtain a consultation for the purpose of opinions regarding permanent disability and apportionment?
No except as provided in subdivision 32a no QME may obtain a consultation for the purpose of obtaining an opinion regarding permanent disability and apportionment consistent with the requirements of Labor Code sections 4660 through 4664 and the AMA Guides.