Bay Area Sports Medicine offers Agreed Medical Legal Evaluation (AME) services, providing independent, expert medical evaluations in workers’ compensation cases. This ensures fair, accurate assessments of work-related injuries and facilitates the resolution of medical disputes. With over 30 years of experience, our team at Bay Area Sports Medicine is highly equipped to provide reliable, expert medical opinions that help clarify the complexities of a case
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Agreed Medical Legal Evaluations
Who is an Agreed Medical Evaluator?
In workers’ compensation cases, medical evaluations play a vital role in determining the extent and causation of an injury, the treatment, and the impact of the injury on an individual’s ability to work. When disagreements arise regarding medical opinions, an Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME) can help employees and employers resolve conflicts in a fair and balanced manner.
An AME is a licensed physician, selected jointly by the injured worker’s attorney and the insurance company, tasked with conducting an independent medical evaluation. Unlike other evaluative processes, such as those conducted by a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) appointed by the state, the AME process is voluntary and requires mutual agreement.
Advantages of using an AME:
- Impartial Evaluation: As the AME is mutually agreed upon, both parties generally view the findings as objective, reducing perceptions of bias.
- Efficiency in Case Resolution: An AME can expedite the process, as it removes the need for state-appointed evaluations and reduces the likelihood of protracted legal battles.
- Focus on Patient Recovery: By providing a trusted, binding medical opinion, the AME process can help ensure that the injured worker receives the appropriate care without unnecessary delays, supporting a faster return to health and, if possible, work.
The AME process
The process of selecting and working with an AME involves several critical steps:
- Agreement on the Evaluator: The worker’s attorney and the insurance company agree on a specific physician with the expertise needed for the evaluation.
- Examination: The AME conducts an in-depth assessment of the injured worker, often including reviewing medical records, diagnostic imaging, and prior treatment notes.
- Medical Opinion: Following the examination, the AME provides a detailed report with findings on the extent of the injury, recommended treatment, and potential long-term impacts. These findings are legally binding and offer a conclusive opinion that both parties agree to abide by.
AME in workers’ compensation
An Agreed Medical Evaluation (AME) is an essential mechanism for resolving disputes in workers’ compensation cases by providing an impartial medical assessment. Unlike a QME, which is state-appointed when the parties cannot agree on a physician, an AME is chosen through collaboration between the injured worker’s attorney and the employer’s insurance provider. This selection process allows both sides to agree on a medical expert they trust to conduct a fair and comprehensive assessment, enhancing the credibility of the findings.
Why choose Bay Area Sports Medicine for your AME?
Bay Area Sports Medicine is led by orthopedic specialists who bring unmatched expertise in evaluating and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries. With years of experience in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, our physicians provide precise, unbiased assessments that are crucial in Agreed Medical Evaluations (AMEs). Their in-depth knowledge ensures comprehensive evaluations, empowering both injured workers and employers to reach fair, timely resolutions. For a trusted, expert opinion on your injury case, contact us to schedule a consultation today.
