How the Disability Evaluators' Panel (DEP) works

The DEP is a pool of contracted physicians who provide services to BWC. These services include:

• Impairment evaluations for permanent partial disability benefits;
• File reviews for requests to increase permanent partial disability benefits;
• 90-day evaluations;
• 200-week evaluations;
• Independent medical examinations (IMEs);
• Medical file reviews;
• File reviews or IMEs that are part of the Health Partnership Program alternative dispute resolution process.

The medical knowledge and expertise required to adequately perform these tasks are different for each task. A physician who is ideal for one task may not be appropriate for another. In addition to the minimum criteria, DEP physicians, who wish to perform specific types of evaluations, must meet certain educational requirements.

If you want more information about DEP or want to apply, please contact the DEP central unit or call (614) 644-0329.