Welcome to the practice of
Val Bellman, M.D., M.P.H., Psy.D., QME
Dr. Bellman was inspired to become a physician by a fascination with the mind—how trauma gets stored in our bodies and how our thoughts can rewire our brains. His professional journey across three countries has given him a unique global perspective that transcends cultural boundaries, allowing him to help patients optimize their mental health by addressing complex mind-body symptoms.
Understanding Qualified Medical Evaluators (QME)
A Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) is a licensed physician certified by California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation to provide independent medical evaluations in disputed cases.
Neutral Medical Expertise
• Treatment needs
• Disability ratings
• Work-relatedness of injuries
My Psychiatric Expertise
What a QME Evaluation Includes
• Medical history review
• Clinical interviews
• Mental status examinations
• Analysis of medical and employment records
Impact of QME Evaluations on
Your Workers' Compensation Claim
QME evaluations represent crucial turning points in workers’ compensation cases. The QME report carries significant weight in determining disputed medical issues and directly influences your benefits.
Key areas affected by QME findings:
QME recommendations influence whether psychiatric treatments, medications, or therapies are approved and covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
QME assessments determine permanent disability ratings, which directly impact your monetary compensation and ongoing benefits.
The QME determines whether your psychiatric condition is work-related, essential for claim acceptance and continued benefits.
QME reports outline necessary ongoing treatment, medication management, and specialized therapies.
Evaluations assess current work capacity and identify necessary workplace accommodations or restrictions.
Statement of Impartiality and Objectivity
As a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME), I am dedicated to providing independent, objective, and impartial psychiatric evaluations. My role is to conduct thorough, evidence-based assessments and deliver unbiased medical opinions based solely on:
- Medical evidence and documentation
- Clinical examination findings
- Established medical and psychiatric principles
- Current medical literature and diagnostic standards
I maintain strict neutrality in every evaluation, regardless of which party requests the assessment. My professional duty is to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the medical evaluation process, in full compliance with California workers’ compensation regulations and standards.
The Critical Role of QMEs in Workers' Compensation
QMEs play a critical role in workers’ compensation by providing independent expertise to resolve disputed medical issues, especially in complex psychiatric cases.
Objective Assessment: Deliver unbiased evaluations independent of ongoing treatment.
Dispute Resolution: Help settle disagreements about diagnosis, treatment, disability, and work-relatedness.
Specialized Expertise: Apply psychiatric knowledge to workplace mental health conditions.
System Protection: Ensure workers get proper care while preventing non-work-related claims.
Efficiency: Provide clear findings that reduce disputes and unnecessary litigation.
By following established guidelines, QMEs ensure fair, evidence-based, and legally sound opinions.
How QME Opinions Shape Claim Outcomes
QME evaluations are pivotal in workers’ compensation cases because their findings carry significant legal authority and shape future claim decisions.
Permanent Disability: Impairment ratings determine disability percentages and settlements.
Treatment Authorization: Insurance coverage often follows QME recommendations.
Vocational Rehabilitation: Functional capacity assessments guide retraining and career options.
Future Medical Care: Recommendations set the framework for ongoing psychiatric treatment.
Because of these consequences, thorough preparation and honesty during your evaluation are essential.
Ready for a Clear,
Defensible Evaluation?
Whether you’re navigating a QME panel, requesting an independent evaluation, or need a psychiatric report that stands up to legal review—I’m here to help.