A good medicolegal management company plays a crucial role in assisting QME physicians in managing the complex intersection of medical and legal issues within the realm of Workers’ Compensation. Having the necessary support staff and producing quality reports truly makes a difference in the reputation of a QME amongst attorneys, adjusters, and other physicians. To be effective, such a company should possess the following qualities:
Expertise:
A solid understanding of both medical and legal aspects is essential. A medicolegal management company should have knowledgeable staff who can bridge the gap between the two fields and are intimately familiar with the inner workings of the Workers’ Compensation system and its rules and regulations. A well-rounded support staff includes case managers, historians, record reviewers, and report editors, to name a few.
Ownership & Management:
When prospecting a medicolegal management company, it’s important to identify who is leading the company. Find out whether this individual(s) has a medical background and done QME/legal work previously. Information about the corporate structure should be readily available. Is the CEO a professional CEO, or is it someone who has worked in the field? There are strengths and weaknesses to each type of leadership, and the goals of the company will be apparent. Is the COO familiar with the intricacies of medicolegal work? The answer to these questions will help determine whether the company is more interested in its own growth, or the growth of the individual physicians who work there.
Efficient Case Coordination:
QMEs often deal with numerous cases simultaneously. The management company should have systems in place to efficiently manage scheduling, records, and communication to ensure that QMEs can focus on the medical aspects of their evaluations. This system will typically fall onto a company’s case managers, who are responsible for all inbound and outbound calls to applicants, adjusters, and attorneys, as well as the scheduling of evaluations. You should feel that you’re able to grow in your QME practice as you’re performing work that you’re familiar with, and not being burdened by the administrative hassles.
Record Management:
The management company should have a secure and efficient system for managing medical records, ensuring that all relevant documentation is accessible and organized for each case.
Compliance with Regulations:
Adherence to specific regulations and guidelines governing QMEs in the jurisdiction is crucial. The management company should be well-versed in these rules to help QMEs maintain compliance, especially in the realm of exam registration deadlines, location listings, and the QME license renewal process. Maintaining constant communication with the Department of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) is pertinent to ensuring a company remains compliant with all QME rules and regulations.
Technological Tools:
Providing QMEs with user-friendly, secure, and up-to-date technology tools and/or platforms for medical record handling, report writing, scheduling, and case management can greatly enhance efficiency. It’s the only way to handle a high volume of reports.
Quality Control:
Rigorous quality control processes for medical reports and documentation are essential to maintain the accuracy and reliability of the QME’s evaluations. Maintaining a high level of quality control, especially when it comes to report writing, can lessen the chances of being called in for a deposition. In addition, a good reputation leads to higher pay with AMEs. It’s important that a company’s QMEs are educated on the nuances of report writing as well as the most pertinent aspect of Workers’ Compensation claims, including necessary legal code references.
Exam Training:
Offering resources for the QME exam is valuable for physicians and can most certainly sway a soon-to-be QME into joining a company. These resources can vary from study guides, practice exams, and in-person sessions.
Strong Client Support:
A medical legal management company should provide excellent customer service and support to both QMEs and the clients they serve, including attorneys, insurance companies, and applicants.
A good medicolegal management company for QMEs should understand the unique challenges and requirements of this profession and provide comprehensive support to help QMEs deliver accurate, timely, and compliant evaluations in the Workers’ Compensation system. At OrthoLegal, we offer an all-inclusive support system, featuring a dedicated team of case managers, physician liaisons, historians, record reviewers, transcriptionists, and report editors. As the first full-service medicolegal management company founded by a practicing Orthopaedic Surgeon and QME/AME, our mission is to prioritize the best interests of our physicians, enabling them to build a high-volume QME practice with the resources they need. At OrthoLegal, we take pride in delivering personable service, transparency, and a welcoming environment for new physicians at our headquarters in Marina del Rey.