April 15, 2025 | 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.
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.
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.
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