November 12, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA — MedLegalNews.com — The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) is considering making telehealth a permanent option for med-legal evaluations, following widespread adoption during and after the pandemic. Officials say telehealth has improved access to qualified medical evaluators (QMEs) for injured workers, especially those in rural and underserved regions where in-person appointments remain scarce.
According to the DWC, virtual med-legal assessments have reduced appointment wait times, eliminated travel barriers, and provided a streamlined process for both workers and physicians. The agency is now reviewing feedback from stakeholders before finalizing a permanent telehealth regulation expected in early 2026.
“We’ve seen measurable success with telehealth in expanding equitable access to medical evaluations,” said a DWC spokesperson. “Our focus now is ensuring accuracy, compliance, and consistency across all platforms.”
Telehealth Bridges the Accessibility Gap
Since the DWC first authorized telehealth evaluations during the COVID-19 public health emergency, the option has proven particularly valuable for injured workers in remote counties such as Humboldt, Shasta, and Mendocino. Prior to the change, claimants in these areas faced travel times exceeding two to three hours just to attend med-legal exams.
Data collected by the DWC shows that the use of telemedicine cut scheduling delays by nearly 40%, while maintaining compliance with med-legal procedural rules. Employers and insurers also benefited from reduced administrative costs associated with travel reimbursements and logistical coordination.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Support with Caution
While physicians and applicant attorneys have largely praised telehealth for improving efficiency, some defense representatives caution that remote evaluations may present challenges in cases requiring physical examinations or nuanced assessments.
Medical-legal experts emphasize that hybrid models—combining telehealth and limited in-person visits—could provide the optimal balance between efficiency and diagnostic accuracy.
“For psychological or follow-up evaluations, telehealth is ideal,” noted Dr. Angela Cortez, a Los Angeles-based QME. “But for orthopedic or neurological assessments, hands-on examination remains critical.”
Next Steps: DWC Rulemaking and Industry Adaptation
The DWC is currently gathering data from pilot programs and stakeholder surveys to determine the final framework for permanent telehealth adoption. Early drafts of the proposed rule suggest that it may be limited to follow-up and psychiatric med-legal evaluations, with initial exams requiring in-person attendance unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Stakeholders can review current DWC proposals and public comments via the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) portal.
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FAQs: About Telehealth Med-Legal Evaluations in California
What are telehealth med-legal evaluations?
These are Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) assessments conducted through secure video conferencing platforms rather than in-person appointments.
Why is the DWC considering making it permanent?
The DWC reports improved access, shorter delays, and cost savings, particularly for rural claimants, as reasons for maintaining telehealth as a long-term option.
Are all types of med-legal evaluations eligible for telehealth?
Not yet. The DWC may limit it for follow-up and psychiatric evaluations while requiring physical exams for orthopedic or neurological cases.
Where can I learn more about the proposal?
Visit the official DWC rulemaking page for current updates, proposals, and stakeholder comment opportunities.