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QME vs IME Side Gigs for Doctors: What's the Difference?

For physicians looking for medical side gigs outside of the typical clinical setting, IMEs and QME work can both be popular options to add additional income and provide a change of pace. While Independent Medical Examination (IME) and Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) work can be similar, there are key differences in what physicians must do to start these side gigs, how they operate, and who they serve. Below, we look at QME and IME side gigs entail, including the differences between them, to help doctors determine which might be the best fit.


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Overview of the differences between IME vs QME work for doctors


What is a qualified medical evaluator and what does QME work include?


Qualified medical evaluators (QMEs) are doctors certified by the state who are hired by insurance companies, attorneys, and employers to examine injured workers to provide their unbiased opinion in evaluating medical issues for workers’ compensation claims.


QMEs review medical records and write med-legal reports to assess a worker’s injury to help determine their eligibility for workers’ comp. A standard QME case typically involves:

  • Reviewing the worker’s medical records

  • Interviewing the worker in person

  • Compiling and submitting a QME report that details your diagnosis and analysis of the case


To become a QME, doctors must pass an exam and complete training courses in order to become certified and eligible to take cases. 




What is an independent medical examination and what does IME work include?


An independent medical examination (IME) is when a licensed physician conducts an examination of an individual to offer a second opinion on the patient’s medical condition, treatment needs, or disability status. Doctors are usually hired by groups such as law firms, employers, government agencies, and insurance providers. Similar to QME work, an IME typically involves a review of the individual’s medical records, an in-person evaluation, and an IME report on your findings and opinion.




What is the difference between QME vs IME work?


While both IME and QME work involve a similar work scope, there are key differences between the two:


  • Qualifications: To become a QME, you must be certified by the state. As mentioned above, this includes passing an exam and completing state-approved training courses. CME is also required to maintain a QME certification. There aren’t, however, standardized certification requirements to begin doing IME work. Most licensed physicians will be able to conduct IMEs in their state, though some sort of training can help with the learning curve.


  • Types of cases: QME work focuses solely on workers’ compensation related cases, while IMEs have a broader scope that can include disability evaluations, auto accidents, personal inquiry lawsuits, and others. IMEs can also include workers’ compensation, but not in states where the QME certification exists.


  • Geographical availability: Few states have the official QME certification in order to review workers’ compensation states. (QME work is primarily for the state of California.) To become a QME, you must be licensed in that state and for most cases either reside in the local area near the individual or be willing to travel for the in-person interview. IME opportunities, while still requiring an in-person evaluation, are available nationally and not just in select states.


  • Structure of process: QME cases are highly regulated and standardized. To become certified as a QME, a physician must take a multi-hour training course in writing QME evaluation reports as well as anti-bias training. There are also strict timelines for scheduling/completing the in-person interview and for turning in the QME report. IMEs are more variable. Report expectations can vary depending on the type of the case and the particular client.


  • Pay variability: The state also typically sets standardized pay for QME work. While this can provide a more reliable source of known income per case, it doesn’t leave room for negotiation if the rate doesn’t meet your expectations. IME rates can be more flexible with room to negotiate.



QME vs IME: which side gig is right for me?


Performing independent medical examinations can be an easier side gig for doctors to get started with since it doesn’t require a formalized certification program. IMEs also provide a wider scope of cases and can be performed across the nation, making it generally a better fit for the majority of physicians interested in this type of work.


If you live in a state, such as California, that offers the QME certification, QME work is worth the consideration. While there can be a lengthy onboarding process (the exam is only offered twice a year), it can allow you to assess workers’ compensation cases not available to IMEs in your state. As noted above, QME work is more regulated with set timelines, which may offer less flexibility, though it’s important to note that these deadlines are often lengthy (typically 90 days to schedule the in-person interview and 30 days to to submit the report after), which can still provide physicians with flexibility while providing access to opportunities you otherwise can’t get.



How do I find QME and IME opportunities once I decide?


If you are interested in learning about available IME or QME opportunities (or both!), companies often reach out to us for help finding physicians for open roles. You can sign up for our chart review side gig matching database (you must be a member of our free physician only Physician Side Gigs group to access, but it’s completely free to join). Also make sure you sign up for our PSG weekly newsletter, where we publish current and upcoming job and side gig opportunities.



Conclusion


Both QME and IME work can be rewarding and lucrative side gigs for physicians looking to leverage their medical expertise in a new way outside of their day-to-day clinical work. Both provide new experience and an opportunity to grow with med-legal skills. Choosing between QME and IME requires assessing where you live, how quickly you want to add side gig work, and the types of cases you want to see.



Related side gig resources for physicians


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If you need help with the business side of your side gig, learn more about:

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