Attorneys & Adjusters & QME & AME
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– PACIFICA ORTHOPEDICS IN HUNTINGTON BEACH –
Pacifica Orthopedics is an Experienced Provider of Quality QMEs and AMEs.
Pacifica Orthopedics – Medicolegal Evaluation Center for Over 25 Years
Pacifica Orthopedics is a premier medicolegal evaluation center serving Southern California for over 25 years. We provide objective, comprehensive, and timely evaluations for Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury cases.
We are committed to high quality medical evaluations with a focus on expedient scheduling and quick turnaround of reports. We comply with AMA and ACOEM guidelines and provide fair assignment of impairment.
Our Services:
Workers’ Compensation – AME & QME: We specialize in providing comprehensive QME and AME reports to help with rapid case resolution. We serve defense and applicant attorneys as well as insurance adjusters.
Personal Injury – IME: Independent Medical Examinations providing objective, evidence based evaluations for both defense and plaintiff counsel.
Why Choose Us:
- Proven Experience: Years of proven experience in medicolegal orthopedic examinations and patient treatment.
- Orthopedic Specialist: The patient will always see an Orthopedic Specialist.
- Dedicated Support: In house contact personnel to answer employer, adjuster and attorney questions and to obtain necessary authorizations.
- Complete Care: Initial work injuries can be treated the same day through our orthopedic facilities.
- MPN Access: Contracted under all major MPNs.
Please contact us for more information or to make an appointment.
Listen to Pacifica Orthopedics doctors answer your most commonly asked questions.
NOTICE
Making a false or fraudulent workers’ compensation claim is a felony subject to up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both imprisonment and fine.
AME, QME, and IME FAQs
What med-legal orthopedic evaluation services do you offer in Huntington Beach?
Our Huntington Beach practice specializes in comprehensive orthopedic medical-legal evaluations, including Agreed Medical Evaluations (AME), Qualified Medical Evaluations (QME), Independent Medical Examinations (IME), disability evaluations, medical causation/apportionment analysis under CA Labor Code 4663/4664, and expert witness deposition testimony for complex spine and joint claims.
What is the difference between an AME, QME, and IME in California?
An Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME) is a neutral physician selected jointly by the applicant attorney and defense counsel to resolve medical disputes in a California Workers’ Compensation claim. A Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) is appointed from a random 3-physician panel issued by the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). An Independent Medical Evaluator (IME) is typically requested in personal injury, civil litigation, long-term disability, or federal cases outside the state Workers’ Compensation panel system.
What geographic areas and DWC district venues do you serve from Huntington Beach?
Located in Huntington Beach, California, our office serves injured workers, law firms, and insurance carriers throughout Orange County and surrounding regions. We regularly handle cases originating from the Santa Ana, Anaheim, Long Beach, and Los Angeles DWC district venues.
How quickly are AME, QME, and supplemental evaluation reports completed?
We strictly comply with California DWC regulations, delivering complete, well-reasoned medical-legal reports within the statutory 30-day window following the physical examination. Supplemental reports are processed with equal efficiency upon receipt of formal attorney questions or updated medical records.
What should an examinee bring to an orthopedic QME or AME appointment?
Examinees should bring a valid government-issued photo ID, any diagnostic imaging CDs (MRI, X-rays, CT scans) not previously served by counsel, and wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows full range-of-motion testing of the evaluated body parts (e.g., shorts for knee/hip exams, tank top for shoulder/cervical spine exams).
How do attorneys or claims adjusters schedule an evaluation at your Huntington Beach office?
Scheduling can be coordinated directly through our medical-legal administrative department by phone, email, or secure portal. For QME appointments, served panel selection forms (Form 105/106) and formal cover letters accompanied by served medical records should be transmitted prior to the scheduled examination date.