Chest/Cardiovascular QME Evaluation Guide
Cardiovascular evaluations in workers' compensation address myocardial infarctions in certain presumptive occupations (firefighters, law enforcement), hypertension, and post-traumatic chest wall injuries. California Labor Code 3212 creates a presumption of industrial causation for certain public safety employees. Evaluations involve exercise tolerance testing and cardiac functional classification.
0-65% WPI
Typical Impairment
$3,000-$5,000
QME Fee Range
#21
Frequency Rank
Evaluation Methods
- Exercise tolerance testing (Bruce protocol)
- Echocardiography review
- NYHA functional classification
- METs capacity assessment
- Cardiac risk factor analysis
Common Conditions
Specialties That Evaluate This Region
Related Body Parts
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Find Chest/Cardiovascular Specialists →Frequently Asked Questions
How is the chest/cardiovascular evaluated in a QME examination?
A QME evaluation of the chest/cardiovascular follows the Chapter 3 — The Cardiovascular System of the AMA Guides 5th Edition. Common evaluation methods include Exercise tolerance testing (Bruce protocol), Echocardiography review, NYHA functional classification. The physician assesses objective findings, reviews medical records, and determines permanent impairment using standardized criteria.
What impairment rating can I expect for a chest/cardiovascular injury?
Typical whole person impairment ratings for chest/cardiovascular injuries in California workers' compensation range from 0-65% WPI. The exact rating depends on objective findings, diagnosis severity, treatment history, and whether the DRE or ROM method is used.
What does a QME evaluation cost for chest/cardiovascular injuries?
QME evaluation fees for chest/cardiovascular injuries in California typically range from $3,000-$5,000 (2026 OMFS rates). Fees are set by the Division of Workers' Compensation fee schedule and may vary based on case complexity and whether supplemental reports are needed.
What conditions commonly affect the chest/cardiovascular?
Common workers' compensation conditions involving the chest/cardiovascular include Acute myocardial infarction, unspecified, Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris, Essential (primary) hypertension. These conditions are typically evaluated by Cardiology or Occupational Medicine physicians.