When is a claim for temporary disability resolved by a QME?

A claim for temporary disability is resolved by a QME as part of the standard dispute resolution process. This process ensures that all aspects of a worker's compensation claim, including temporary disability benefits, are evaluated and adjudicated appropriately. The QME plays a crucial role in assessing the medical condition of the injured worker and determining if temporary disability benefits are warranted based on the medical evidence and findings.

The standard dispute resolution process incorporates various steps that allow for a thorough review of the claim, including the analysis of the worker's ability to work, the nature of the underlying medical condition, and the impact of the injury on the worker's life. By engaging a QME, parties involved in a workers' compensation case can obtain an unbiased medical opinion that aids in resolving disputes regarding temporary disability.

In contrast, resolving claims during the initial evaluation typically focuses on establishing the basic medical findings without delving into specific benefit entitlements. Evaluating permanence occurs later, and while appeals may be a part of the process for other disputes, they are not inherently tied to the resolution of temporary disability claims. Therefore, identifying the resolution of temporary disability as part of the standard dispute resolution process is accurate.