At the recent American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Annual Meeting, we engaged with numerous young residents and fellows who are eager to begin QME work. Many of these physicians are temporarily out of state for training with the intent to return to California, applying for jobs and seeing that compensation packages were not as high as expected. Similarly, many physicians nearing retirement are planning for ancillary income as they phase out their clinical practices, finding the rigors of surgery to be too demanding but are still able to contribute to nonoperative orthopaedic work. QME work has long held a “bimodal” distribution during the initial growth and final years of clinical practice.
The most common question that we fielded from these physicians was how, and when, should one begin QME work. Becoming a QME should be considered alongside a compensation package after graduation, as it will completely change a recent graduate’s financial situation. In just one year of engaging in QME work, physicians have the potential to generate ancillary income surpassing that of a starting physician’s salary. It is now akin to the consideration for taking call at different hospitals, and is truly Orthopaedic work.
Obtaining a California Medical License
One of the most important requirements of being a QME is maintaining an active California medical license. Besides being a requisite element for being a QME, California boasts some of the highest reimbursement rates for QMEs in the nation, exceeding other state fee schedules by more than 8 times. For reference, the most recent fee schedule change in California in 2021 increased the reimbursement of comprehensive medical-legal evaluations up to $2,015, which includes a record review of up to 200 pages. Applying for a California Medical License can be a lengthy process and the application process typically takes about six months. Even if a physician is based out of state and doesn’t have plans to move to California in the near future, one can still travel in and out of the state to do QME work. We advise these physicians to begin the application process as soon as possible. It is required for the QME to be present for in-office consultations at least once every 90 days.
Start the Process during Training
Board certification is not required to begin QME work. Physicians need only to have completed residency training in order to apply, so it is possible to become a QME during fellowship. It’s recommended that residents about to graduate or those in the midst of their fellowship actively start the process of applying to be a QME in order to begin generating ancillary income as soon as possible.
Preparing for Retirement
Physicians looking forward to retirement or looking to cut back on clinical work can alleviate financial stress by with QME work. Venturing into QME work offers orthopaedic surgeons a fulfilling way to use their extensive expertise while enjoying a flexible schedule that complements their lifestyle in retirement. It also allows retiring physicians to maintain professional connections and stay attuned to advancements in their specialty.
Embarking on QME work should be approached with the same dedication and foresight as any career milestone. With the potential to generate substantial ancillary income, especially in California with its advantageous reimbursement rates, beginning the process during residency or fellowship can set physicians on a lucrative path early in their careers. For those nearing retirement or seeking to transition away from full-time clinical roles, QME work offers a fulfilling and flexible opportunity to continue contributing to the medical field while enjoying the benefits of a more relaxed schedule. Contact the team at OrthoLegal today to learn more about how to start your QME career.
