Independent QME evaluations
for personal injury cases
Dr. Ryan Todd Lloyd holds QME certification from the State of California. Every evaluation applies the AMA Guides and report-writing standards that QME certification tests.
Understanding QME
What is a Qualified Medical Evaluator?
A Qualified Medical Evaluator is a physician who has been certified by California's Division of Workers' Compensation Medical Unit to perform independent medical evaluations in contested cases. The QME designation is not automatic — it requires passing a state-administered competency examination covering the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, disability evaluation methodology, report writing standards, and medical-legal procedure.
QMEs must also satisfy continuing education requirements to maintain their certification. The designation exists to ensure that physicians rendering medical-legal opinions meet a baseline standard of competency recognized by the state.
Dr. Lloyd's QME certification means the state has tested his knowledge of impairment rating, causation analysis, and medical-legal report writing. He applies that training to his opinions on causation, impairment, and treatment necessity.
While the QME designation is formally a workers' compensation credential, the competency it represents transfers directly to personal injury practice. The same skills tested by the QME examination — impairment rating methodology, causation analysis, defensible report writing — are exactly what personal injury attorneys need from their evaluating physicians.
State Examination Required
QME candidates must pass a rigorous competency exam administered by the Division of Workers' Compensation covering impairment ratings, causation analysis, and medical-legal report writing.
Continuing Education
Certified QMEs must complete ongoing education requirements to maintain their designation, ensuring current knowledge of evaluation standards and legal requirements.
Built on Impartiality
In workers' compensation cases, a QME serves as a neutral evaluator. Dr. Lloyd holds his personal injury evaluations to the same evidence-based standard.
AMA Guides, 5th Edition
Impairment ratings follow the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Edition, the edition California workers' compensation uses.
The Advantage
How QME status benefits your case
A QME-certified evaluator brings state-tested training in impairment rating, causation, and report writing to every opinion in your client's case.
State-Certified Competency
The QME examination tests knowledge of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (5th Edition), disability evaluation methodology, report writing standards, and medical-legal procedure. Dr. Lloyd's certification confirms that he has met the state's standard of competency in the methods behind his impairment ratings and causation opinions. It is a credential verified through examination, not self-proclaimed expertise.
Written for Scrutiny
Dr. Lloyd writes his reports expecting opposing counsel and IME reviewers to challenge them. Every finding is measured, and every opinion is tied to the exam and the records. When a provider's qualifications come up at mediation or trial, QME certification is a credential the other side can verify with the state.
Comprehensive Evaluation Protocol
QME evaluations follow a structured protocol designed to produce thorough, defensible findings. The process includes a detailed patient history, comprehensive physical examination with orthopedic and neurological testing, review of all prior medical records and imaging studies, and a written narrative report containing diagnoses, causation opinions, treatment recommendations, and — when the patient has reached maximum medical improvement — permanent impairment ratings.
Objective, Defensible Opinions
A QME's fundamental role is to render impartial opinions based on clinical evidence and established medical standards. Dr. Lloyd applies the same rigorous evaluation methodology whether he is serving as the treating provider or performing an independent evaluation. This consistency ensures that his opinions are defensible regardless of which side of the case requests the evaluation, and that his clinical reasoning can withstand deposition and cross-examination.
The Process
What to expect from a QME evaluation
A structured, predictable process from initial referral through final report delivery — designed for both attorneys and patients.
Referral & Scheduling
Attorney or patient contacts our office to request the evaluation. We review the case background and schedule the appointment. Same-week availability for most evaluations.
Records Review
Prior to the examination, Dr. Lloyd reviews all relevant medical records, diagnostic imaging studies, and documentation of the injury mechanism and circumstances.
Comprehensive Exam
A thorough physical examination including orthopedic testing, neurological assessment, range of motion measurements, and any indicated special tests. Located at our 3100 Lakeville Highway office in Petaluma, just off Highway 101.
Written Report
A detailed narrative report prepared within 48 hours. Includes mechanism of injury analysis, clinical findings, diagnoses, causation opinions, treatment recommendations, and impairment ratings when applicable.
Follow-Up Support
Dr. Lloyd is available for deposition testimony, supplemental reports, and case consultation as needed through the life of the case. Your evaluation doesn't end with the report.
Is This Right For Your Case
Who needs a QME evaluation?
A QME evaluation brings a structured, AMA Guides-based assessment from a state-certified evaluator to cases where clinical opinions are likely to be contested. If any of the following apply, a QME evaluation may strengthen your position.
- ✓ Personal injury cases where causation is disputed by the defense or the insurer
- ✓ Cases requiring permanent impairment ratings under the AMA Guides (5th Edition)
- ✓ Workers' compensation disputes where an independent evaluation is needed
- ✓ Cases where opposing counsel has challenged the treating doctor's opinions or qualifications
- ✓ Cases heading to mediation or trial that need independent medical testimony from a state-certified evaluator
- ✓ Accidents on Highway 101, Lakeville Highway, Petaluma Boulevard, and throughout Sonoma County where local evaluation is needed
Whether you are a Petaluma-area attorney building a demand package, a patient seeking an independent evaluation, or counsel from outside Sonoma County looking for a qualified local evaluator, Dr. Lloyd provides the same rigorous, impartial process. Review his full credentials and background, or learn more about his documentation standards and impairment rating methodology.
Schedule a QME evaluation
Same-week availability, 48-hour report turnaround. Serving Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Novato, and Sonoma County.
3100 Lakeville Hwy, Ste D, Petaluma, CA 94954