When requested by an employee or employer, the medical Director appointed shall assign three panels of qualified medical evaluators within _____ days after receiving a request for a panel.

• A. 3 working days
• B. 7 working days
• C. 10 working days
• D. 5 working days

Answer: (D)

When a panel of qualified medical evaluators is requested, there is a defined speed for how quickly the Medical Director must respond. The requirement is that three QMEs are designated within five working days of receiving that request. This five-day window keeps the process moving and helps prevent delays in obtaining an independent medical evaluation, which is essential for timely claim resolution. Remember that “working days” count only business days, so weekends and holidays aren’t included. Shorter timeframes would be impractical, while longer ones would unnecessarily delay the process. The correct timeframe is five working days.