Becoming a QME:

How to Become a Qualified Medical Evaluator in California

Becoming a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) can open new professional opportunities for physicians in California, but the process can feel overwhelming and complex at first.

This page outlines how to become a QME, including the required steps, how MDpanel supports physicians through the entire journey with a clear, structured, and proven approach, and why MDpanel is the management company of choice for more doctors than any other company in California.

How to Become a Qualified Medical Evaluator

How to Become a Qualified Medical Evaluator

Qualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs) are physicians certified by the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) who are hired by attorneys, employers and insurance companies to examine injured workers to evaluate contested medical issues. QME physicians write reports assessing reported injuries, which are then used to determine an injured worker’s eligibility for Workers’ Compensation benefits. Healthcare professionals who can become QMEs include medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, doctors of chiropractic, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, psychologists and acupuncturists. Some of the more highly demanded specialties include orthopedics (including spine, hand, etc. subspecialties), pain medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), neurology, chiropractic, psychiatry, psychology, and internal medicine although 42 distinct specialties are listed with the DWC.

Steps to become a QME in the State of California:

Step 1: Pass the QME Competency Exam offered by the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). This exam is given twice per year (April and October).

Step 2: Complete a 16-hour QME report writing course from an approved DWC education provider.

Step 3: Finalize the application for QME appointment.

The QME process doesn’t have to be complicated.

Becoming a Qualified Medical Evaluator can feel overwhelming at first—but it doesn’t have to be. MDpanel has guided thousands of physicians through this process with a clear, structured approach that builds confidence at every step.

Have questions about becoming a QME? You can talk to an MDpanel Advisor at any time.

Below is a simple, three-step overview of how physicians become successful QMEs with MDpanel—and how we support you along the way.

Step 1:

Exam Preparation

Once you begin with MDpanel, your focus is clear: prepare for and pass the QME exam. MDpanel provides structured, physician-focused exam preparation through MDpanel University, the industry’s only comprehensive professional medical-legal resource, offering high quality training, expert insights, and real-world application to help you start and grow your QME practice

What happens

  • You begin exam preparation as soon as your agreement with MDpanel is complete.
  • You prepare for the QME exam offered in April or October.

What MDpanel University provides

  • Interactive e-learning courses
  • Flashcards, short quizzes, and exam simulations
  • Over 350 practice questions
  • Required DWC report writing modules included (and carried forward)

Everything you need is organized in one place, with encouragement and reminders along the way—so you can stay focused without guessing what comes next. Best of all, MDpanel’s pass rate commonly exceeds over 90% per test cohort versus industry average of just over 50%.

Step 2:

Report Writing

After completing the QME exam, you move directly into report writing content, again offered through MDpanel University – an essential skill for every successful QME and required by the DWC as part of the credentialing process.

What happens

  • You complete the DWC required 16-hour report writing class
  • You submit the DWC required sample report

What MDpanel University provides

  • DWC approved 7-hour virtual report writing class
  • DWC approved 9-hour self-study content
    • Structured report writing curriculum
    • Live session options and guided assignments
    • Credit for modules completed during exam prep
  • You submit the required sample report through MDpanel University for review and approval

Our team is there to help you through this process and ensures you’re not just passing requirements, but building the confidence and skills needed to write high-quality, defensible reports.

Not sure if this path is right for you?
Talk to an MDpanel Advisor

Step 3:

Becoming a Successful QME

Once your training is complete, MDpanel continues to support you by working with you to navigate the DWC credentialing process and supporting you on your path to becoming a successful QME.

What happens next

  • You get officially credentialed with the DWC with related costs covered by MDpanel
  • You go through the industry’s gold standard structured onboarding program
  • You gain access to the only end-to-end physician platform (MDpanel Studio) to support your QME practice which reduces your administrative time by over 80%, meaning less effort to provide more income
  • You begin receiving requests for and complete your first evaluation

What MDpanel provides

  • The industry’s only AI-optimizing site selection platform which matches new QMEs to locations of high volume and low existing QME density, thus maximizing your income opportunity
  • Access to the largest network of fully-staffed sites in California keeping you close to home or in locations of high income potential
  • Enrollment in MDpanel’s new physician onboarding program
    • Structured onboarding to ensure consistency and confidence
    • Ongoing education and peer learning opportunities
    • Tools and resources to support your first evaluations and beyond
  • Access to MDpanel Studio, the only full-service, end-to-end QME technology platform that guides you through every step of the QME process, from scheduling to preparing you for the day of evaluation to report writing and submission through to billing and collections.
  • Access to additional content on MDpanel University
    • Live Sessions (QME Launchpad Series)
    • Access to practical, real-world content from experienced QMEs

You’re never left on your own. MDpanel remains your partner as you transition from training to practice.

Benefits of Working with MDpanel

MDpanel is the by far largest QME company in California; we are over twice the size of its nearest competitor and roughly the size of all of the next largest competitors COMBINED! In California, you are either with MDpanel or you are with somebody else. MDpanel is uniquely positioned to drive value to our physicians as the QME landscape continues to evolve and change.

  • MDpanel-supported QMEs get more panel appearances than our next four largest competitors combined!
  • MDpanel has more than 2x the physicians of our nearest competitor; over 1 in 5 California QME evaluations is supported by MDpanel today.
  • MDpanel physicians earn more than twice the QME average
  • MDpanel supports more sites than any other QME management company in California; we offer locations close to your home so you’ll travel less OR we can identify the most productive sites across the state of California which will allow you to maximize your earning potential
  • Based on our national scale and scope MDpanel can provide additional income opportunities beyond QME (in California and nationally) including IME, AME, SIBTF and Fitness for Duty, that many of our competitors do not
MDpanel

Turnkey QME Practice Management

MDpanel’s comprehensive QME Practice Management services allow physicians to focus on evaluations—without the administrative burden of managing a QME practice.

From scheduling and case coordination to ongoing operational support, MDpanel helps remove complexity so you can focus on your clinical expertise.

In addition, you are provided access to MDpanel Studio, the only full-service, end-to-end QME technology platform that guides you through every step of the QME process, from scheduling to preparing you for the day of evaluation to report writing and submission through billing and collections.

MDpanel Univeristy: Education & Mentorship

MDpanel University is for physicians, attorneys, and insurance adjusters, built by professionals who understand the expert medical-legal opinions business. Whether you’re just getting started or are looking to refine your skills, earn continuing education credits, or expand your practice, MDpanel University is here to support your growth with high quality training, expert insights, and real-world application.

This includes:

  • QME Competency Exam preparation
  • A DWC-compliant Report Writing Course
  • A QME Starter Program tailored for newly appointed QMEs
  • Ongoing mentorship from experienced QMEs
  • Training for other medical opinion services such as IME, AME, SIBTF, Fitness for Duty, Expert Witness, and many more

This structured approach ensures you’re prepared, confident, and supported—not just credentialed.

QME Competency Exam Registration Assistance

Navigating exam registration and administrative requirements can be confusing; MDpanel assists with the details so you can stay focused on preparation, not paperwork.

Advanced Data Analytics & Strategy

MDpanel has invested heavily in data science and is the only QME utilizing AI to perpetually optimize our Doctor site listings which finds them the most productive locations boosting your earning potential. MDpanel practice growth specialists continuously analyze DWC data to identify trends, insights, and opportunities that can help improve and grow your QME practice over time.

Sophisticated Marketing & Promotion

MDpanel’s industry-leading marketing and promotion strategies help build your personal brand as a medical expert, positioning you for long-term success as a QME.

Ready to take the next step?

Talk to an MDpanel Advisor

A short, no-obligation conversation to answer your questions and help you understand if becoming a QME with MDpanel is right for you.

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