1
Q
A
2
Q
What happens if both parties submit panel requests on the same day?
A
Medical Unit uses earliest valid proof of service; tie broken by filing completeness.
3
Q
How long does the Medical Unit usually take to issue a panel?
A
Typically 15 business days, but can vary with backlog.
4
Q
What if the selected QME’s license expires before the exam?
A
Panel must be replaced by DWC.
5
Q
Can a QME change specialty after panel issuance?
A
No — specialty fixed once panel issued.
6
Q
Can the parties agree to use a doctor not on the panel (if unrepresented)?
A
No — only listed QME can be used for unrepresented worker.
7
Q
Can represented parties waive a panel and pick any QME?
A
Yes — if both agree (AME).
8
Q
What is the main difference between QME and AME in binding power?
A
AME opinions are highly binding; harder to challenge at WCAB.
9
Q
When must a party object to QME specialty?
A
Within 10 days of receiving the panel notice.
10
Q
Can a party request a replacement QME if doctor is too far away?
A
Yes — if travel distance exceeds reasonable geographic area (per DWC guidelines).
11
Q
Maximum distance considered reasonable for travel?
A
Generally 30 miles or 60 minutes each way (unless rural exceptions).
12
Q
If worker moves out of state?
A
QME may examine via telehealth or DWC can assign out-of-state QME if available.
13
Q
Time allowed for parties to submit records to QME before exam?
A
Usually at least 20 days prior (records must be served to other party simultaneously).
14
Q
QME record-handling ethics?
A
Review all records, note missing items, and document what was considered.
15
Q
Are surveillance videos allowed?
A
Yes, but must be disclosed to other side before submission.
16
Q
When can the QME report be served late?
A
Only if extension approved by DWC for good cause (e.g., complex case).
17
Q
What if QME dies or retires mid-case?
A
DWC issues replacement panel.
18
Q
How many times can a panel be replaced?
A
Unlimited for good cause (COI, distance, license issues, unavailability).
19
Q
QME duty about interpreting tests?
A
Must stay within scope and document limitations of tests.
20
Q
Can QME bill no-show fee if worker doesn’t come?
A
Yes — per OMFS; must document no-show.
21
Q
Can QME ask for supplemental tests (MRI, labs)?
A
Yes — if medically necessary and within specialty.
22
Q
Do parties have to pay for supplemental tests ordered by QME?
A
Yes — requesting party/insurer usually covers if tests are reasonable.
23
Q
What is “QME strike procedure”?
A
Each party may strike one doctor; remaining is examiner.
24
Q
If both fail to strike, what happens?
A
DWC randomly assigns one of the three.
25
Can QME postpone exam until full records arrive?
Yes — but must document and keep within **90-day exam window**.
26
Time to schedule QME after panel issuance?
Must offer **appointment within 60 days** unless DWC grants 30-day extension.
27
What if panel request is defective (wrong form)?
DWC may **reject** and require resubmission.
28
Is interpreter required if worker needs one?
Yes — requesting party must **arrange and pay** for certified interpreter.
29
Can QME refuse case due to language barrier?
No, but can **request certified interpreter**.
30
When can QME issue “no opinion”?
If **records insufficient** and **parties failed to provide data despite request**.
31
Are QMEs required to disclose past malpractice?
Yes — **full disclosure** maintains panel eligibility.
32
Can QME negotiate extra pay?
**No — must follow OMFS; no side deals**.
33
What if party misses 10-day strike deadline?
Loses strike right; other party picks from remaining QMEs.
34
Panel request time if injury denied entirely?
**30 days** after denial to request compensability QME.
35
Do represented parties need to agree on specialty?
Ideally yes; if not, **DWC decides**.
36
What if worker already treated with panel QME?
**Conflict — request new panel**.
QME part 2
flashcards
Decks in class (96)
# Cards
-
Batch 4 (Cards 106 – 140) from Section II — Permanent Disability Determination (deep dive: apportionment, AMA traps, cancer presumption, reporting/ethics, exam hacks):36
-
Batch 5 (Cards 141 – 150) to complete the 150-card deck for Section II — Permanent Disability Determination ✅11
-
Here is Batch 1 (Cards 151–180): PDD section II31
-
Here’s Batch 2 (Cards 181–210) — Advanced PD Determination with deeper case law, AMA quirks, benefit timing exceptions, and fresh mnemonics: Question Answer31
-
Batch 3 (Cards 211 – 240) — more advanced PD / AMA / benefit law traps + strong new mnemonics:31
-
Batch 4 (Cards 241 – 255) — advanced Permanent Disability Determination traps with extra mnemonics:16
-
Batch 4 (Cards 256 – 270) — finishing the advanced set to 270:16
-
acronym flashcard deck covering all abbreviations & mnemonics we used in the 270-card PD section (plus earlier core sets).61
-
Batch 1 (Cards 1 – 30) for III. Apportionment Determinations (Causation + Risk Factors & Unlawful Discrimination) — exam-ready with mnemonics:31
-
Batch 2 (Cards 31 – 60) for III. Apportionment Determinations — Causation & Risk Factors/Unlawful Discrimination (exam-ready, with mnemonics)31
-
Batch 3 (Cards 61 – 90) for III. Apportionment Determinations — Causation & Risk Factors / Unlawful Discrimination (exam-ready with mnemonics)31
-
Batch 4 (Cards 91 – 120) for III. Apportionment Determinations — Causation & Risk Factors / Unlawful Discrimination (same exam-ready Q | A | Mnemonic format)31
-
Batch 5 (Cards 121 – 150) for III. Apportionment Determinations — Causation & Risk Factors / Unlawful Discrimination (same Q | A | Mnemonic exam-ready format)31
-
Advanced Apportionment — Block 1 (Cards 151 – 200)51
-
Advanced Apportionment — Block 2 (Cards 201 – 250) (deep case law + exam hacks + new mnemonics, same table format)51
-
Advanced Apportionment — Block 3 (Cards 251 – 300)51
-
Substantive Medical Disputes Resolved by QMEs — LC §§4060-4062 (Disputes over compensability, permanent disability, and all other med-legal issues.) 1-5051
-
IV. Substantive Medical Disputes — Block 2 (Cards 51 – 100)51
-
IV. Substantive Medical Disputes — Block 3 (Cards 101 – 150) (finishing the 150-card deck on LC §§4060–4062)51
-
Block 1 (~35 flashcards) from V. QME Selection Process — Labor Code §4062.1 (Unrepresented) & §4062.2 (Represented)35
-
V. QME Selection Process — Labor Code §4062.1 & §4062.2 (continuing):36
-
V. QME Selection Process – Labor Code 4062.1 & 4062.2)85
-
Section VI: Benefit Delivery & Math (this covers temporary disability (TD), permanent disability (PD), AWW calculations, penalties, benefit timing, and related rules).37
-
Benefit Delivery & Math — Batch 2 (Cards 36–70) with deeper exam-style details + mnemonics:35
-
Benefit Delivery & Math — Batch 1 (Cards 1–35) rewritten with every acronym fully spelled out:37
-
Benefit Delivery & Math — Batch 3 (Cards 71–105)36
-
Benefit Delivery & Math — Batch 4 (Cards 106–140)39
-
Benefit Delivery & Math — Batch 5 (Cards 141 – 175)37
-
Batch 6 (Cards 176 – 210) (rare exam traps, presumption exceptions, psych apportionment nuances, AMA quirks, penalty & rating pitfalls).37
-
I’ll start with Section VI.A – Scheduling and Cancellation of Appointments (p. 19). Here is Batch 1 (≈35 cards) in the format you like:36
-
Batch 2 (Cards 36 – 70) for Section VI.A – Scheduling & Cancellation36
-
Batch 3 (Cards 71 – 105) for Section VI.A – Scheduling & Cancellation:37
-
Subsection A1 – Remote Health Medical-Legal Evaluations (Telehealth) — Batch 1 (Cards 1 – 40) (Q | A | Mnemonic style with full acronyms spelled out once)40
-
Subsection A1 – Remote Health Medical-Legal Evaluations (Tele-QME) — Batch 2 (Cards 41–80):41
-
Subsection A1 – Remote Health Medical-Legal Evaluations (Tele-QME) — Batch 3 (Cards 81–120):41
-
e’s Section VI.B – Information to be Provided to the Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) — Batch 1 (Cards 1–40):40
-
Section VI.B – Information to be Provided to the QME — Batch 2 (Cards 41–80):41
-
Section VI.B – Information to be Provided to the QME — Batch 3 (Cards 81 – 120):41
-
VI.B – Information to be Provided to the QME:41
-
VI.C — Ex-Parte Contact (Cards 1–40)40
-
VI.C — Ex-Parte Contact (Cards 41–80)39
-
VI.C — Ex-Parte Contact (Cards 81–120)40
-
📚 VI.D — Conflict of Interest Disclosure (Cards 121 – 155)37
-
VI.D — Conflict of Interest Disclosure (Cards 156 – 190)39
-
Section E — Examination Disclosures (Cal. Code Regs., Title 8, § 40) (first 35–40 flashcards in your Q | A | Mnemonic format with acronyms spelled out).36
-
VI.E — Examination Disclosures (Cards 226 – 260)37
-
VI.F — Ethical Obligations of the QME (Cards 261 – 295)37
-
VI.F — Ethical Obligations of the QME (Cards 296 – 330)36
-
VI.G — Evaluation Protocols (Cards 331 – 365)38
-
VI.G — Evaluation Protocols (Cards 366 – 400)37
-
VI.H — Face-to-Face Time (Cards 401 – 435)37
-
VI.H — Face-to-Face Time (Cards 436 – 470)36
-
VI.I.1 — Report Content (Cards 471 – 505)38
-
VI.I.2 — Report Disclosures (Cards 506 – 540)38
-
VI.I.3 — Anti-Self-Referral (Cards 541 – 570)31
-
VI.I.4 — Substantial Evidence (Cards 571-605)36
-
VI.I.4 — Substantial Evidence (Advanced/Exam Traps) — Cards 606-64037
-
VI.J — Types of Reports & Reevaluations (Cards 671-705)38
-
VI.K — QME Unavailability (Cards 776-810)37
-
VI.K — QME Unavailability (Cards 811-845)38
-
VI.L — Additional, Replacement Panels & Consultations (Cards 846-880)38
-
VI.L — Additional, Replacement Panels & Consultations (Cards 881-915)37
-
Here’s Section L — Additional, Replacement Panels & Consultations40
-
Here’s the start of Section M — Timeframe for Service of Reports & Timeframe Extensions (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, § 38) Block 1 (Cards 951 – 985)41
-
Block 2 (Cards 986 – 1020) — advanced rules, penalties, and deeper testable points40
-
Here’s Section M — Timeframe for Service of Reports & Timeframe Extensions (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, § 38) Block 3 (Cards 1021 – 1055)42
-
Here’s the start of Section N — Service of Reports (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, §§ 36 & 36.7) Block 1 (Cards 1056 – 1090) — delivery rules, proof of service, and common test pitfalls38
-
Section N — Service of Reports (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, §§ 36 & 36.7) Block 2 (Cards 1091 – 1125) — advanced electronic service rules, WCAB issues, and tricky exam points38
-
Here’s Section N — Service of Reports (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, §§ 36 & 36.7) Block 3 (Cards 1126 – 1160) — service disputes, penalties, audit traps, and exam-proven memory hacks40
-
start of Section O — Retention of Reports & Return of Records (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, § 39.5) Block 1 (Cards 1161 – 1195)39
-
Section O — Retention of Reports & Return of Records (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, § 39.5) Block 2 (Cards 1196 – 1230) — r40
-
Section O — Retention of Reports & Return of Records (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, § 39.5) Block 3 (Cards 1231 – 1265) —44
-
Section M: Timeframe for Service of Reports & Extensions now. Here’s Block 1 (Cards 1231 – 1265) in the Question | Answer | Mnemonic36
-
Block 2 (Cards 1266 – 1300) for Section M – Timeframe for Service of Reports & Extensions, with clear acronyms spelled out and mnemonics:35
-
Section M – Timeframe for Service of Reports & Extensions35
-
Section N: Service of Reports (Cards 1336 – 1370)37
-
here’s Block 2 (Cards 1371 – 1405) for Section N – Service of Reports (advanced scenarios, audit traps, test hacks).36
-
here’s Section O – Retention of Reports & Return of Records (First Block 1 — Cards 1441 – 1475,35
-
Block 3 (Cards 1406 – 1440) for Section N – Service of Reports (penalties, audit traps & exam hacks).37
-
Section O – Retention of Reports & Return of Records Block 2 — Cards 1476 – 1510 (advanced retention scenarios, audits, retirement tips). All acronyms are fully spelled out.35
-
More acronyms15
-
Block 1 – Acronyms (Cards 1 – 50)53
-
Block 2 – Acronyms (Cards 51 – 100)60
-
Block 3 – Acronyms (Cards 101 – 150)56
-
here’s Block 4 (Cards 151 – 200) of acronyms from the DWC QME Study Guide Competency Examination Study Guide (fully expanded).18
-
Block 1 (Cards 1 – 50) of flashcards from your PDF “Important Timeframes in Workers’ Compensation Cases”.48
-
Block 2 (Cards 51 – 100) from your PDF “Important Timeframes in Workers’ Compensation Cases”.48
-
Here’s Block 3 (Cards 101 – 150) — continuing the flashcards from “Important Timeframes in Workers’ Compensation Cases.”49
-
) from your Overview AOE/COE document, in your preferred format — clear Q | A with full expansions for acronyms and useful mnemonics:26
-
Batch 2 (Cards 26 – 50) from the Overview AOE/COE document — continuing the same Question | Answer | Mnemonic style, with all acronyms spelled out:26
-
’s Batch 3 (Cards 51 – 75) from the Overview AOE/COE document, continuing the Question | Answer | Mnemonic format with full acronym expansions:26
-
Batch 4 (Cards 76 – 100) from the Overview AOE/COE document, continuing the Question | Answer | Mnemonic format with all acronyms spelled out:26
-
Batch 5 (Cards 101 – 125) from the Overview AOE/COE document, continuing the Question | Answer | Mnemonic format with all acronyms spelled out:26
-
e Deardorf Suicide Causation document (Batch 1 — first 25 cards).26
-
Batch 2 (Cards 26 – 50) from Deardorf Suicide Causation — continuing in the same Question | Answer26
-
Batch 3 (Cards 51 – 75) from Deardorf Suicide Causation — keeping the Question | Answer | Mnemonic style and spelling out acronyms where used:26
