Why Orthopaedic Surgeons Are in High Demand as QMEs in California

Orthopaedic (often spelled “orthopedic”) surgeons play a central role in California’s workers’ compensation system. As a result, they are consistently among the most in-demand specialties for Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) assignments. For orthopaedic surgeons considering QME work—or newly certified QMEs already receiving assignments—understanding why this demand exists helps set realistic expectations around volume, complexity, and administrative needs.

Orthopaedics Sits at the Center of Workers’ Compensation Cases

The majority of workers’ compensation claims involve:

·       Musculoskeletal injuries

·       Cumulative trauma

·       Post-surgical impairment questions

·       Functional capacity and apportionment issues

Orthopaedic surgeons are uniquely positioned to address these issues because of their training in:

·       Anatomy and biomechanics

·       Surgical and non-surgical treatment pathways

·       Long-term functional outcomes

As a result, orthopaedic QMEs are frequently selected when disputes involve causation, treatment necessity, impairment rating, or work capacity.

Higher Demand Often Means Higher Case Volume

Compared to other specialties, orthopaedic QMEs typically experience:

·       Higher overall assignment volume

·       More frequent multi-body-part evaluations

·       Larger and more complex medical record sets

This demand can be professionally rewarding, but it also places greater pressure on scheduling, records management, and report coordination.

New orthopaedic QMEs are often surprised by how quickly administrative tasks begin to compete with clinical responsibilities.

Orthopaedic QME Cases Are Often Administratively Complex

Orthopaedic QME cases commonly involve:

·       Multiple treating providers

·       Imaging studies spanning years

·       Prior injuries or surgeries

·       Apportionment analysis across multiple body parts

From an administrative standpoint, this means:

·       Record tracking must be meticulous

·       Histories must be carefully organized

·       Reports often require significant coordination and follow-up

Without strong administrative systems, complexity—not clinical difficulty—becomes the limiting factor.

Reputation and Responsiveness Matter More at Higher Volume

Because orthopaedic QMEs are so frequently utilized, responsiveness and reliability are closely observed by attorneys and claims administrators.

Administrative breakdowns—missed deadlines, delayed reports, or poor communication—can quickly affect assignment flow, even when medical opinions are well reasoned.

Orthopaedic QMEs who maintain consistent volume over time tend to do so by ensuring that the administrative side functions smoothly and predictably.

For orthopaedic surgeons new to QME work, early clarity around administrative structure can prevent small operational issues from becoming recurring frustrations as volume increases.

What This Means for Orthopaedic Surgeons Considering QME Work

High demand for orthopaedic QMEs creates opportunity—but also responsibility.

QME work is most sustainable when:

·       Clinical judgment remains the physician’s focus

·       Administrative tasks are handled systematically

·       Volume is matched with appropriate support

When those elements are aligned, orthopaedic QME work can be both professionally satisfying and operationally manageable.

New Orthopaedic QME—or Considering the Role?

If you’re an orthopaedic surgeon exploring QME work or recently certified, understanding how to structure the administrative side early can make a meaningful difference in your experience.

At United Medical Evaluators, we support orthopaedic QMEs across California by managing the operational aspects of QME work—allowing physicians to focus on evaluation and medical judgment. Schedule a Strategy Call to learn more.