Essential Tips for Your Meeting with a Qualified Medical Examiner

Essential Tips for Your Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) Appointment | Workers' Comp Success Guide Are you preparing for a Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) evaluation in internal medicine? This video is your essential guide. Attorney Michael Burgis, Managing Attorney at MB&A, shares critical preparation advice that could significantly impact your workers' compensation case outcome. In this comprehensive video, you'll learn everything you need to know before meeting with a neutral QME, including how to build credibility, what to say (and what not to say), how to prepare your medical history, and why honesty and professionalism are your best tools. Why Is This Appointment So Important? The QME acts like the “judge” of your medical condition. Their medical report heavily influences your case's direction — from permanent disability ratings to future medical treatment eligibility. That’s why showing up on time, being well-prepared, and knowing what to expect is absolutely crucial. Key Events: 00:00 - Introduction: Why this QME visit matters 00:39 - What the doctor is really evaluating 01:30 - How to show up prepared and professional 02:45 - Avoiding credibility mistakes: minimize vs. exaggerate 04:15 - Be honest about past conditions and treatment 05:02 - Internal medicine issues caused by injury 06:00 - Don’t skip reporting other injury types 06:50 - What to say about treatments and medications 07:56 - Final checklist and legal support from MB&A Top Tips for Success at Your Internal Medicine QME Evaluation: 1- Be honest and detailed. Underreporting or exaggeration damages credibility. 2- Don’t hide prior injuries. Prior conditions won’t invalidate your claim — but dishonesty will. 3- Discuss all industrial injuries. Even if you're seeing an internist, be sure to share any symptoms related to orthopedic, psychological, or neurological issues. 4- Prepare a clear history. Know your weight before and after injury, list medications, and be ready to discuss your activities of daily living. 5- Stay professional. Be kind even if the doctor seems dismissive. This person significantly influences your case. 6- Avoid saying you don’t want treatment. Instead, express that you’d prefer treatment options to remain open under future medical care. Common Internal Medicine Issues Related to Work Injury: Weight Gain After Orthopedic Injuries Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Sleep Apnea as Consequences of Sedentary Recovery Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Medication Side Effects Stress, Anxiety, and Mental Health Impact from Injury Challenges in Daily Functioning due to Physical or Emotional Limitations If you've gained weight due to limited mobility or mental health impacts, mention it. If you're on medications, list them clearly. If you've had previous conditions (even years ago), don’t deny them — explain how your situation has worsened or changed. Avoid These Common Mistakes at Your QME Appointment: Showing up late (bad first impression) Arguing or showing attitude Saying “I’m fine” when you're not Overstating or understating symptoms Forgetting to mention orthopedic pain or other injuries Telling the doctor you don’t want surgery (unless you're clear it's temporary) Taking pain meds before the visit (unless necessary) without disclosing it Why MB&A Does It Differently Unlike many firms, MB&A prepares clients proactively to ensure the most accurate and favorable reports possible. This preparation can mean the difference between full compensation and a dismissed case. If you’re represented by MB&A or considering legal help for your workers' compensation claim, this video is your starting point. Need Legal Support or Personalized Guidance? Visit our website: https://burgislaw.com We’re here to help you navigate the workers' comp process with clarity, strategy, and care. Whether you're a current client or just starting your claim, the information in this video will help you walk into your QME appointment informed, confident, and ready. Who Should Watch This Video? Injured workers scheduled for a QME Anyone preparing for a medical-legal evaluation Patients are concerned about internal medicine complications from work injuries. Attorneys guiding clients through the QME process Workers with ongoing psychological or physical injuries post-accident Closing Thoughts A successful workers' compensation case begins with how well you communicate your condition. Be on time. Be honest. Be prepared. With the right strategy and understanding, your QME appointment can be a powerful step toward the settlement and medical care you deserve. If you found this video helpful, consider sharing it with anyone facing a QME evaluation. Subscribe for more expert legal tips, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly through our website. https://burgislaw.com