Medical care

QME, AME and the panel QME process

By the CalCompGuide editorial team · Last updated November 2026 · How we write and check guides

Treating doctor vs. evaluator

Your primary treating physician (PTP) treats you and writes reports. A QME or AME doesn't treat you; they examine you once (sometimes again later), review records, and write a medical-legal report answering the disputed questions. Judges give these reports great weight.

When a QME is needed

• The insurer denies the claim and the dispute is medical (is this injury from work?).
• Either side objects to the treating doctor's findings on work status, permanent and stationary date, impairment, apportionment or future medical care.

Disputes about whether a specific treatment is necessary go to utilization review and IMR instead, not to a QME.

If you don't have an attorney: Form 105

1. The claims administrator sends you a notice and a QME Form 105 request (LC §4062.1).
2. You choose the medical specialty (for example orthopedic surgery, psychology, internal medicine) and submit the form to the DWC Medical Unit.
3. The DWC sends a panel of three QMEs near your address.
4. Within 10 days you pick one, schedule the appointment, and tell the claims administrator. If you miss that window, the claims administrator may pick for you.

Choose the specialty carefully; it should match the main injury. A DWC Information & Assistance officer can help you with this for free.

If you have an attorney: AME or Form 106

Represented parties may agree on an AME. If they can't, either side requests a panel online with Form 106; each side may strike one name, and the remaining doctor becomes the panel QME (LC §4062.2).

Preparing for the exam

• Bring a list of every body part, symptom and how it limits your daily life and job.
• Be accurate and consistent. Don't exaggerate and don't minimize; evaluators check records and look for consistency.
• Bring your medication list and the names of all doctors you've seen, including for prior injuries.
• Write down how long the doctor actually spent with you, in case that's questioned later.
• Mileage to the exam is reimbursable, and you may be paid for lost wages for attending.

After the report

The report is served on both sides. If you're unrepresented, you can ask for a factual correction and, for permanent disability, a summary rating from the Disability Evaluation Unit. Represented workers' attorneys may depose the doctor or ask for a supplemental report. The QME process is a common turning point where people consult an attorney.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different. For free help from the state, call the DWC Information & Assistance unit at 1-800-736-7401.