What is the primary purpose of a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME)?

The primary purpose of a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) is to provide objective medical evaluations in workers' compensation cases. This involves assessing an injured worker's medical condition and determining the extent of any impairment, the need for future medical treatment, and the worker's ability to return to work. The QME's impartial evaluation helps to resolve disputes between employees and employers regarding medical issues and compensation, ensuring that injured workers receive the appropriate benefits based on their injuries. The independence of the QME is crucial for maintaining objectivity and integrity in the evaluation process.

The other options refer to functions that are not aligned with the role of a QME. Determining eligibility for health insurance is a responsibility of insurers or health care providers, while managing patient treatment plans falls under the purview of treating physicians, not evaluators. Conducting surgical procedures is also not part of the QME's responsibilities, as their role is focused on assessment rather than treatment. Thus, option B accurately encapsulates the central aim of a QME in the context of workers' compensation.