If you are an attorney or a worker in need of a work-related psychological evaluation, you have two options through the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). The first is a panel Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME), and the second is an Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME). I’ll discuss the differences and similarities, as well as my thoughts on what to look for in a work comp psych evaluator.
Psych Eval for Work Comp in Los Angeles: Qme vs. Ame
All psychologists who conduct workers’ comp psych evaluations in the entire state of California have a few things in common:
Doctoral level education in psychology (a PhD or PsyD)
License to practice psychology in California
From there, a QME and an AME can vary quite a bit. A psych QME:
Is certified by the state, by passing a test
Has at least five years of clinical experience after licensure
Is selected from a panel of three possible evaluators that is randomly generated by the state
Is chosen based on location – nearness to the worker’s home address, usually
In contrast, a psych AME:
Can be certified as a QME, but does not have to be
Is only available to workers who have hired an attorney to represent them for their work comp claim
Is agreed upon by the attorney for the worker and the attorney for the employer
May or may not be located close to the worker’s home
If you have an attorney and opt to be evaluated by an AME, you waive your option to have a panel QME. The major benefit of going with a psych AME instead of a psych panel QME is that AMEs are often well-established within the workers’ comp world, and have a lot of experience doing work comp psych evals. Typically, if both sides can agree on an AME, it is because that psychologist has done high quality work that the attorneys are aware of, and they both trust the AME will come to evidence-based and balanced opinions that reflect the reality of the work injury.
Does This Mean a Psych Qme Work Comp Eval Isn’t as Good?
Not at all! Many psychologists are certified QMEs and available as AMEs as well, and there are many well-trained psychologists starting out as QMEs who simply aren’t yet well-known to attorneys. There are plenty of psych QMEs doing excellent work comp evals.
Markers of a Good Psych Qme or Psych Ame Eval
Regardless of whether you end up in a work comp psych eval with a QME or an AME, there are a few components that will be part of any thorough psych evaluation:
A clinical interview. You will be asked about your personal, educational, occupational, and medical history. These invasive questions all help the psychologist in evaluating your work comp injury
Psychological testing. You will have to take several psych tests for a work comp eval. These can be brief, or very long. Just know they are providing evidence to support your psych QME or psych AME in reaching medical opinions about your work-related injury.
A record review. Your work comp psych evaluator will review records provided by the attorneys. These may include medical records from an incident related to work, and general health records, sometimes dating back years.
A report. Whether you see a psych QME or a psych AME, that psychologist will write an integrated report that includes all of the information they gathered throughout testing, interview, and record review. They will include opinions about a diagnosis, the cause of any diagnosis or symptoms, and appropriate treatment. They will also comment on work restrictions if there are any.
Begin Working With A Psychological Evaluator in Los Angeles
Finding the right evaluator for a work comp eval can take time, but is worth it in the end. Dr. Reger provides psychological evaluations at several locations in Southern California. You can schedule an appointment by following these steps:
Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment
Meet with an LA Psychologist for your QME psychological evaluation
Get answers that you need to continue with your work comp claim
Other Counseling Services Offered BY Dr. Reger in los angeles, ca
I know you may experience a number of mental health concerns. This is why I’m happy to offer multiple neuropsychological and psychological assessments. Other assessments include cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations.