When you are injured on the job in California, you are guaranteed workers’ compensation coverage. Unfortunately, the process of securing coverage can be long and tedious. If over the course of your claim, you disagree with the opinions of your primary treating physician (PTP), you may request a qualified medical evaluator, or QME.
The QME is brought in to offer an unbiased professional opinion about an injury. The hope is that the QME’s report will resolve the disputes that often arise between employers and employees over the extent of an injury and what benefits are owed.
What does a QME do? QMEs review the injured worker’s medical records, speak to them about their injuries, and conduct assessments. Based on this information, the QME will offer an opinion as to the extent of the injury and what benefits the worker is entitled to.
Dr. Gerchow’s QME practice is focused on psychiatric injuries. She currently contracts with Equity Evaluations and has offices in Fairfield, Antioch, and Stockton, California. Evaluations may be conducted in-person or remotely.
Prior to becoming a QME in 2021, Dr. Gerchow conducted worker’s compensation evaluations and facilitated therapy in the Fairfield and Walnut Creek offices of Dr. David Green.
QMEs are an integral part of the workers’ compensation process because they ensure that injured workers receive fair and impartial treatment.
In California, QMEs are certified by the Division of Workers’ Compensation – Medical Unit to examine injured workers to evaluate disability and write medical-legal reports. The reports are used to determine an injured worker’s eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. QMEs include medical doctors, dentists, and psychologists.
Dr. Gerchow’s QME practice is focused on psychiatric injuries. She currently contracts with Equity Evaluations and has offices in Fairfield, Antioch, and Stockton, California. Evaluations may be conducted in-person or remotely. Prior to becoming a QME in 2021,
Dr. Gerchow conducted worker’s compensation evaluations and facilitated therapy in the Fairfield and Walnut Creek offices of Dr. David Green.
Dr. Gerchow’s QME-related work is contracted with Equity Evaluations. Here’s how to request a qualified medication evaluation.
Here are some tips to get you started.