California requires QME applicants other than chiropractors to complete a disability evaluation report writing course of at least 16 hours before appointment as a QME, including at least 2 hours of anti-bias training (8 CCR §11 and §11.5). The Sound Medical Evaluators Disability Evaluation Report Writing (DERW) course is an online course with seven PDF training modules, downloadable resources and expert live video sessions. It covers report structure, medical-legal documentation standards, causation analysis and impairment discussions, so your reports are clear, objective and defensible. The course is on the DWC’s list of online report writing course providers, at 16 hours.
Questions about the course? Call (916) 461-9602
Send your name, specialty and a convenient time to reach you, and our team will follow up about the course, access and next steps toward QME appointment. You can also reach us directly.
Before the DWC Medical Unit appoints a physician as a QME, the physician must complete a course of at least sixteen hours in disability evaluation report writing (8 CCR §11(b)(1)) and at least two hours of anti-bias training (§11(h)). The curriculum is set out in 8 CCR §11.5(i), and only courses from DWC-recognized education providers satisfy the requirement. The DWC publishes its list of report writing course providers, and the Sound Medical Evaluators course is on the DWC’s list of online report writing course providers, at 16 hours. Doctors of chiropractic follow a separate 25-hour evaluation course (8 CCR §14).
The course must be completed before appointment. The DWC exam registration packet notes that physicians other than chiropractors complete the 16-hour course before appointment as a QME, and many physicians take it while preparing for the QME Competency Examination.
Each PDF module follows a topic in the DWC report writing curriculum (8 CCR §11.5(i)).
| Module | Curriculum topic in 8 CCR §11.5(i) |
|---|---|
| 1. The QME’s Role in the Disability Evaluation Process | How reports are used, the QME’s role as an expert witness, QME ethics |
| 2. Elements of the Medical-Legal Report | Labor Code and regulatory requirements for medical-legal reports |
| 3. The Language of Reports | Impairment and disability, causation, apportionment, future medical care, record review |
| 4. Anti-Bias Training | Anti-bias instruction (a mandatory minimum of 2 hours) |
| 5. Review of Workers’ Compensation Case Law | Case law review |
| 6. Administrative Director’s Disability Evaluation Protocols | Evaluation protocols and impairment measurement under the AMA Guides |
| 7. Third-Party Perspective | The report as read by judges, attorneys, insurers and raters |
Expert live video sessions and downloadable resources accompany the modules.
The full sequence is in our guide on how to become a QME in California. Physicians who join Sound Medical Evaluators receive sponsorship of the report writing course as part of the launch package; see practice management for newly certified QMEs.
Yes. Before appointment as a QME, a physician must complete a course of at least 16 hours in disability evaluation report writing (8 CCR §11(b)(1) and §11.5). Doctors of chiropractic complete a separate 25-hour evaluation course under 8 CCR §14.
At least 16 hours of instruction, and the curriculum must include at least 2 hours of anti-bias training (8 CCR §11.5(i)).
The requirement is that the course is completed before appointment as a QME. You can take it before or after the QME Competency Examination, as long as it is done before you are appointed.
Seven PDF training modules (the QME’s role, elements of the medical-legal report, the language of reports, anti-bias training, workers’ compensation case law, the Administrative Director’s disability evaluation protocols, and the third-party perspective), downloadable resources and expert live video sessions.
Yes. All seven modules, the downloadable resources and the expert instruction are on one online learning platform. Register for an account to get access.
The DWC Medical Unit publishes its list of report writing course providers at dir.ca.gov. The Sound Medical Evaluators course is on the DWC’s list of online report writing course providers, at 16 hours.
Register for an account to open all seven modules, the downloadable resources and the live video sessions.
Register to get accessRequirements described here come from Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (§§11, 11.5 and 14) as published by the Department of Industrial Relations. Check the DWC Medical Unit for current requirements before you apply.
