Applied for a QME panel and got a surprise second opinion offer
I filed my paperwork for a QME panel in Fresno last month because my primary doctor's report was getting ignored by the adjuster. Instead of the usual 30 day wait, I got a call from an independent medical office saying they could do a full review in 2 weeks for $500 out of pocket. Took them up on it, and the report flagged a nerve issue my regular doc missed. The judge actually cited it in my settlement talks. Has anyone else paid for a private IME before the QME process and did it speed things up or complicate them?
Man, paying out of pocket before the QME even happens seems backwards to me, since the whole point of the panel is getting a neutral doc the insurer has to accept. Sounds like it worked out for you, but I'd worry that report gets picked apart later for looking like you shopped for the answer you wanted.