THONG TO vs. BENCHMARK ELECTRONICS, INC., TRAVELERS PROPERTY CASUALTY COMPANY OF AMERICA, TRAVELERS SACRAMENTO

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration and rescinded a Workers' Compensation Judge's (WCJ) order appointing a regular physician. The WCAB found that the WCJ's order to develop the record by appointing a physician was premature and not supported by a clear dispute. The Board clarified that if a dispute arises requiring medical evaluation, parties can utilize the Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) process. Alternatively, if treatment is disputed, the applicant can seek intervention through a Declaration of Readiness to Proceed.