A Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) practice management company should streamline and improve the efficiency of your medicolegal practice. While QMEs are primarily focused on providing medical assessments and opinions through use of their medical expertise, a good management company can benefit and provide support to the physician.
Administrative Support:
QME practices often involve a significant amount of administrative work, including scheduling appointments, managing reports, billing, and handling voluminous records that come in. A management company, especially one with case managers, can take care of these administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on the Orthopaedic aspect of your QME practice.
Compliance and Regulations:
QME practices must adhere to complex regulations and legal requirements as it relates to the Department of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). These regulations include mandatory form submission, report deadlines, QME license standards, service of reports, and the QME evaluation itself. A management company will ensure that your practice remains compliant with all applicable laws, regulations and deadlines, reducing the risk of legal issues or penalties.
Marketing and Practice Exposure:
A management company may also assist in marketing and/or promoting your QME practice, helping you garner the attention of applicant attorneys and maintain a steady caseload. Additionally, depending on the other realms of legal work the company is involved in, they can assist in promoting your services for Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice cases. The management company can use their expertise to reach a broader audience and increase your practice’s visibility.
Streamlined Operations:
Management companies often have systems and processes in place to streamline the day-to-day operations of a medical practice. This can lead to increased efficiency and reduced administrative overhead. Having a management company take care of the administrative work on your behalf will ensure you can concentrate on providing high-quality medical evaluations and care to the injured workers, which is likely your primary expertise and passion.
Billing and Collections:
Medical billing and collections takes an entire specialized staff, and QME work uses entirely different codes and procedures from medical billing. A management company will handle billing and collections processes including appeals, improving time to payment, increasing cash flow, and reducing the risk of unpaid invoices.
Cost Reduction:
Outsourcing various functions to a management company should be more cost-effective than hiring in-house staff for each role. Many companies will have the cost of these external services already built into the management fee split, making the process smoother and simpler for you as the physician. Be sure to find out exactly which services are included in the agreement.
Scalability:
If you plan to grow your QME practice, a management company can help you scale your operations efficiently, ensuring that the practice can handle an increasing caseload. Having a reliable support staff in your corner that can take care of the administrative portion of the work will allow for you to grow a high volume practice.
It’s essential to carefully evaluate the specific services and expertise offered by a management company to determine if it aligns with the needs and goals of your QME practice. Additionally, it’s important to consider the cost and fees associated with working with such a company, as this can impact your practice’s financial health. Our services at OrthoLegal, owned and operated by a practicing Orthopaedic Surgeon and QME, are custom-tailored to a working Orthopaedic Surgeon to maximize volume and efficiency.