Dr. Tom Chao, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery
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Office Address
3004 WHITTIER BLVD, Los Angeles, CA 90023
Phone
Counties Served
Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Francisco County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County
Credential
MD — QME Certified
About Dr. Tom Chao
Dr. Tom Chao is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist practicing in Bakersfield and Los Alamitos, CA, with experience as assistant team physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers and head team physician for University of Pittsburgh NCAA Division I athletics.
Education & Board Certifications
- University of California, Irvine (BS Biology; BA Classics)
- University of California, San Diego School of Medicine (MD, 2009)
- Residency: University of California, Irvine, Orthopaedic Surgery (2009-2015)
- Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh / UPMC, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (2015-2016)
Languages Spoken
About Orthopaedic Surgery QME Evaluations
Orthopaedic Surgery QME evaluations address musculoskeletal injuries arising from workplace accidents, repetitive strain, and cumulative trauma. The evaluating orthopaedic surgeon assesses fractures, joint damage, spinal disorders, and soft-tissue injuries to determine causation, treatment needs, and permanent impairment under the AMA Guides.
Under California workers' compensation law ( LC §139.2), QME physicians must meet qualification standards set by the Division of Workers' Compensation and must follow the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Edition (2001), for impairment ratings.
Common Conditions Evaluated
Workers' Compensation in Served Counties
Dr. Tom Chao serves workers' compensation cases in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Francisco County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, California. Each county has its own WCAB district office that handles workers' compensation disputes and hearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cases does Dr. Tom Chao evaluate as a QME?
A Orthopaedic Surgery QME evaluation involves a comprehensive review of medical records, a clinical examination, and a written report addressing causation, treatment needs, and permanent impairment. The evaluating physician follows the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Edition (2001), as required by California workers' compensation law.
Where is Dr. Tom Chao's office located?
Dr. Tom Chao's office is located at 3004 WHITTIER BLVD, Los Angeles, CA 90023. The office serves workers' compensation evaluations for 6 California counties including Los Angeles County.
What are Dr. Tom Chao's board certifications?
Dr. Tom Chao holds the following board certifications: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine. Board certification demonstrates that a physician has met rigorous standards in their specialty beyond basic medical licensure.
What is Dr. Tom Chao's education and training background?
Dr. Tom Chao's training includes: University of California, Irvine (BS Biology; BA Classics); University of California, San Diego School of Medicine (MD, 2009); Residency: University of California, Irvine, Orthopaedic Surgery (2009-2015); Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh / UPMC, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (2015-2016). This training provides the clinical foundation for conducting independent medical evaluations in orthopaedic surgery workers' compensation cases.
How many years of experience does Dr. Tom Chao have?
Dr. Tom Chao has approximately 15 years of medical experience. As a QME-certified orthopaedic surgery physician, this clinical experience informs evaluations of injury causation, treatment appropriateness, and permanent impairment in workers' compensation cases.
Which counties does Dr. Tom Chao serve for QME evaluations?
Dr. Tom Chao is available for QME evaluations in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Francisco County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County. Each county is served through the DWC panel process, and evaluation locations may vary.
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