Have you been scheduled for a QME psychological evaluation (“psych eval”) as part of a worker’s compensation claim in California? If so, here are some tips:
- Appreciate context: It is likely you were referred because your claim for a work-related psych injury has been denied. The worker’s compensation system sometimes requires evaluations to a) prove that an occupational injury actually occurred and b) understand how much of the injury was caused by work. As you can imagine, with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, it can be challenging to determine whether the cause of the condition was work or something else, including an individual’s mental health history.
- Be patient: Worker’s compensation timelines are long. You can usually expect at least two months from the time your QME is selected to when you are actually evaluated. After your evaluation, the QME has one month to write the report. The report will be shared with your claims adjuster, both attorneys (if you are represented), and the worker’s compensation judge.
- Show up prepared on evaluation day: Psychological testing takes time. Depending on the referral questions and your QME’s approach, testing and interview can take 3-8 hours. Take a commonsense approach by sleeping well the evening prior; eating healthfully the morning of; and taking meds as prescribed. On test day, be sure to utilize seeing, hearing or other assistive devices; bring water and snacks; and ask your examiner about breaks for the bathroom or to get fresh air. Importantly, be honest and give your best effort. Don’t “play up” or exaggerate your symptoms. Skilled clinicians (and many assessment instruments) can identify those things.
Best wishes for your evaluation and recovery!
