What Is the DWC Medical Unit?
The Medical Unit is a specialized branch of California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) that oversees every medical-legal component of the state’s workers’-compensation system—including the certification, monitoring, and discipline of Qualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs) and Agreed Medical Evaluators (AMEs).
Key Functions
- QME Program Administration
• Reviews QME/AME applications and renewal packets.
• Schedules and scores the semi-annual QME Competency Examination.
• Maintains the statewide roster of active QMEs and their specialties. - Panel Assignment
• Issues three-doctor “panel QME” lists when parties can’t agree on an evaluator.
• Processes requests for replacement panels (specialty mismatch, conflicts, untimely scheduling). - Compliance & Discipline
• Audits late reports, billing irregularities, and ex parte violations.
• Conducts investigations that can lead to probation, suspension, or revocation of QME status. - Education & Policy
• Publishes the Medical-Legal Style Manual, fee schedules, and FAQs.
• Hosts orientation webinars and approves medical-legal continuing-education courses.
Why the Medical Unit Matters to QMEs
All regulatory timelines—60-day scheduling, 30-day reporting, and biennial renewal—are enforced by the Medical Unit. Their records also feed the publicly searchable QME list that attorneys use to vet and select evaluators.
Contact and Resources
- Phone: (650) 590-1700 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
- Email: [email protected] (for panel, renewal, or billing questions)
- Mailing Address: 160 Promenade Circle, Suite 330, Sacramento, CA 95834
Download forms, fee schedules, and the latest QME suspension list on the DWC’s official Medical Unit webpage.