Why are Agreed Medical Examiners (AME) and Panel QMEs used?
Agreed Medical Examiners (AME) are like “medical judges.” The injured worker’s attorney and the insurance company often disagree with what the treating doctor states the injured worker’s level of permanent disability/impairment is or on the type of current or future medical care an injured worker requires. Therefore, the parties often agree to utilize an Agreed Medical Examiner to review all the medical reporting and medical records and perform a one-time examination of the injured worker. The AME will then provide his/her medical opinions on permanent disability/impairment, the current and future need for medical treatment, as well as providing an expert opinion on other medical-legal issues. There are many benefits to using an AME. One benefit is that relying upon one particular doctor, that both parties agree is neutral and well versed in the complicated California workers’ compensation system, to address the main issues in the claim, eliminates the problem of attempting settlement
