Raymond Ames vs. Goodman Global, ACE American Insurance Company

This case involves an employer's petition to remove a workers' compensation matter to the Appeals Board for review of an order allowing the applicant to obtain additional Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) panels. The employer argued that further QME panels were not permitted without a treating physician's determination supporting the disputed body parts injured. The Appeals Board denied the petition, finding the employer failed to demonstrate irreparable harm or significant prejudice. The majority affirmed the judge's order, concluding the record supported further development of disputed body parts. One commissioner dissented, arguing the applicant failed to establish a dispute with a treating physician's report as required by statute.