April 15, 2025 | California, CA — MedLegalNews.com – CWCI Reports: The number of Qualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs) in California’s workers’ compensation system increased by 16% in 2023, according to a new report released by the California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI). At the same time, requests for QME panels surged by 17%, highlighting continued demand for medical-legal services despite a still-recovering post-pandemic system.
Post-Pandemic Rebound in QME Availability
CWCI reports note that California had 2,973 certified QMEs as of the end of 2023. That marks a significant jump from 2,561 in 2019, reflecting recent policy efforts to attract and retain evaluators. Much of this growth stems from the 2021 Medical-Legal Fee Schedule (MLFS) overhaul, which increased reimbursements, especially for time-consuming record reviews.
The increase in certified QMEs is also credited to targeted recruitment and continuing education programs aimed at medical professionals in high-demand specialties. These initiatives have encouraged more physicians to seek QME certification, while existing evaluators have remained engaged in the system longer due to improved reimbursement rates and clearer procedural guidelines. As a result, stakeholders across California’s workers’ compensation ecosystem—including claims administrators, attorneys, and employers—have more reliable access to evaluators, which can reduce delays in case resolutions and improve overall efficiency.
Demand Keeps Rising
Although the number of QMEs rose, requests for QME panels—which assign evaluators to specific workers comp cases—climbed at a slightly faster rate. There were over 110,000 panel requests filed in 2023, a 17% increase from the previous year. The CWCI attributes the rise to ongoing litigation volume and complex injury claims that require formal evaluation.
This surge in panel requests reflects broader trends in the post-pandemic workforce, where injuries and claims are becoming increasingly complex. Many cases now involve multiple specialists or pre-existing conditions, requiring careful coordination among QMEs to provide thorough and impartial assessments. The growing demand has highlighted bottlenecks in certain regions and specialties, prompting discussions among regulators and medical-legal organizations about strategies to improve panel assignment efficiency and ensure timely access for injured workers. Analysts note that addressing these capacity challenges will be essential to maintaining the integrity and responsiveness of California’s workers compensation system moving forward.
Are There Enough QMEs?
Despite these increases, concerns remain about whether the current QME pool can keep pace with demand. For example, orthopedic surgeons, who handle the bulk of med-legal evaluations, continue to represent 44% of all services. With certain specialties stretched thin, delays in panel assignments and evaluations remain a challenge.
Key Takeaways
- QME pool is growing, with a 16% increase since 2019.
- Panel requests are outpacing evaluator growth, up 17% in 2023 alone.
- Orthopedic QME services dominate the med-legal landscape.
- Policy changes and higher fees are helping improve evaluator retention, but regional and specialty shortages persist.
For official data and ongoing updates, visit the California Workers’ Compensation Institute to access reports and research.
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FAQS: California Workers Compensation QME
What is a California workers compensation QME?
A QME (Qualified Medical Evaluator) is a physician certified by the California Division of Workers’ Compensation to provide independent medical evaluations for workers compensation claims.
Why are California workers compensation QME panel requests increasing?
Panel requests are rising due to growing litigation, complex injury claims, and ongoing demand for formal medical-legal evaluations.
Which medical specialties dominate California workers compensation QME services?
Orthopedic surgeons provide the majority of evaluations, representing nearly half of all QME services in the state, followed by other specialties depending on claim type.
How can employers and injured workers stay informed about California workers compensation QME updates?
Employers and workers can track official CWCI reports, WCAB updates, and subscribe to expert news coverage like MedLegalNews.com for timely insights.