A QME is a qualified medical examiner and an AME Is an agreed medical examiner. These are neutral physicians who evaluate you generally on a one-time basis to determine if you have reached a stable level. If you have, they will declare you permanent and stationary (P&S) or that you have reached a level of maximum medical improvement (MMI). They will give you a permanent disability (PD) rating, they will address future medical care and work restrictions, they discuss weather your medical treatment to date has been medically necessary, and discuss causation and apportionment (if your injury was caused by work, and if so, did another factor contribute to your injury that was not related to work).

A QME is chosen from a panel of three doctors, the injured worker strikes one, the employer strikes another and the one left is the doctor you will see. An AME is chosen by agreement between the injured worker and the employee.