Qualified Medical Examinations

At Bridge Medical TBI Center, Qualified Medical Examinations (QMEs) play a vital role in bridging the gap between healthcare, employment, and legal processes. A QME is a standardized, independent medical assessment conducted to answer specific questions about an individual’s health, functional status, or the nature of an injury—particularly those involving neurological or traumatic brain injury concerns. 

These examinations are performed by Dr. Said M. Ibrahimi, MD, a board-certified neurologist with subspecialty certification in Brain Injury Medicine, and a recognized Qualified Medical Evaluator in the State of California. With his extensive clinical expertise and unbiased approach, patients, attorneys, employers, and insurance carriers receive clear, evidence-based medical findings. 

What Are Qualified Medical Examinations? 

Qualified Medical Examinations are structured evaluations designed to determine: 

• The existence and severity of a medical condition 
• Whether an injury or impairment is related to a workplace incident or accident 
• The degree of disability or functional limitation 
• A patient’s ability to return to work or perform specific job-related tasks 
• The need for accommodations or further medical evaluation 

Unlike traditional medical visits, QMEs focus solely on assessment, not treatment. The purpose is to provide an independent, impartial medical opinion for use in legal, insurance, and regulatory contexts. 

Types and Purposes of QMEs 

Workers' Compensation & Legal Cases 

In California’s workers’ compensation system, QMEs help clarify questions of causation, impairment, disability, and future medical needs. 

These evaluations support: 

• Employers and insurance carriers 
• Injured workers 
• Attorneys involved in dispute resolution 

A QME report may influence benefit entitlement, case settlements, or return-to-work decisions. 

Professional Licensing 

Certain professions require documentation of physical or cognitive fitness. For example: 

• Physicians may undergo medical licensing assessments 
• Commercial operators, pilots, and maritime workers may need fitness evaluations 
• Public safety and high-risk occupations rely on independent examinations to ensure regulatory compliance 

Employment-Related Evaluations 

Employers may request medical assessments to determine: 

• Fitness to perform essential job duties 
• Workplace safety considerations 
• Requirements for reasonable accommodations 

Positions with physical, cognitive, or safety-sensitive responsibilities especially benefit from QME clarity. 

Insurance and Disability Determinations 

QMEs provide objective medical evidence to support: 

• Disability claims 
• Accident or injury-related insurance benefits 
• Long-term and short-term disability assessments 
• Evaluation of neurological conditions following traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussions, or chronic symptoms 

Key Characteristics of QMEs 

Independent & Objective 

There is no patient–doctor treatment relationship. The examiner’s role is to offer an unbiased, scientifically grounded evaluation. 

Focused on Specific Medical Questions 

Each examination is designed to answer targeted questions, including: 

• Does the patient have a diagnosable condition? 
• Is the condition work-related? 
• What is the degree of functional impairment? 
• What are the long-term implications? 

Evaluation-Focused, Not Treatment-Based 

QME physicians do not prescribe treatment, order long-term care, or manage ongoing medical issues. Their responsibility is strictly evaluative. 

Specific Reporting Requirements 

As part of the California QME system, exam results: 

• Follow standardized reporting formats 
• Must be clear, comprehensive, and evidence-based 
• Are submitted to the appropriate legal or administrative bodies 

Modified Confidentiality Rules 

Unlike traditional medical care, QME findings are not protected under standard doctor-patient confidentiality. Reports may be shared with attorneys, insurance carriers, and relevant agencies as required by law. 

What to Expect During a Qualified Medical Examination 

A QME at Bridge Medical TBI Center is thorough, professional, and designed to provide clarity. While each exam is tailored to the individual case, you can generally expect: 

Review of Medical Records 

Dr. Ibrahimi conducts a detailed review of prior medical history, diagnostic tests, imaging, accident reports, and treatment records. 

Interview and Symptom Discussion 

A structured conversation focusing on symptoms, functional limitations, injury history, work-related factors, and prior evaluations. 

Physical and Neurological Examination 

Depending on the condition, this may include: 

• Cognitive testing 

• Motor and sensory evaluations 

• Balance, coordination, and reflex assessments 

• TBI-specific neurological screening 

Diagnostic Review 

CT, MRI, EEG, or neuropsychological testing (if provided) is analyzed to support objective findings. 

Comprehensive Report Preparation 

After the examination, Dr. Ibrahimi prepares a detailed, legally compliant report that outlines: 

• Diagnoses 
• Causation analysis 
• Impairment ratings (if applicable) 
• Work restrictions or functional limitations 
• Future medical needs 

This report is submitted to the requesting parties for legal, insurance, or administrative use. Contact us to learn more. 

Why Choose Bridge Medical TBI Center for Your QME? 

• Led by a board-certified neurologist with deep expertise in TBI and neurological disorders 
• State-certified QME ensuring strict adherence to California’s reporting guidelines 
• Multi-location convenience: San Jose, Fremont, Hayward, San Ramon, and Sacramento 
• Evidence-based, defensible reports trusted by legal, insurance, and medical professionals 
• Clear communication and professional integrity from start to finish 

Conclusion 

Qualified Medical Examinations are essential in resolving complex questions involving injuries, disabilities, and work-related conditions. At Bridge Medical TBI Center, Dr. Said M. Ibrahimi provides highly detailed, unbiased, and medically sound evaluations that support fair outcomes for all parties involved. Whether you are an injured worker, attorney, employer, or insurance provider, you can trust our team to deliver clarity, accuracy, and professionalism every time. 

Need to arrange a QME with a neurological and brain-injury expert? Bridge Medical TBI Center is here to support your case with timely, independent, and authoritative medical evaluations.