How does an “Agreed Medical Evaluator” (AME) differ from a QME?

An "Agreed Medical Evaluator" (AME) is mutually selected by both parties involved in a dispute, which promotes a sense of shared responsibility and cooperation in the evaluation process. This designation is often utilized in cases where both parties agree on the necessity of an evaluation to help resolve disputes, especially in workers' compensation cases.

In contrast, a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) operates under state mandates and procedures, where the assignment is typically initiated by one party, and the evaluation is often used when there is a disagreement regarding a claimant's medical condition or the impact on their ability to work. This distinction allows for a QME to act as an independent evaluator who provides an impartial assessment based on established guidelines.

The core difference lies in the selection process: an AME is intended to foster mutual agreement and collaboration, while a QME is a more structured and potentially contentious process. This understanding is crucial for participants in the medical evaluation process as it shapes the dynamics of how medical opinions are sought and utilized in legal contexts.