Medical Panels

A Medical Panel is convened at the request of the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) or the Appeals Commission. 

Assembling the Panel

• Once a request for a Medical Panel has been received, the Medical Panels Commissioner (MPC) creates a list of eligible medical practitioners based on the following criteria:

• Expertise with the worker’s medical concerns,
• Confirmed registration with the College of Physician and Surgeons of Alberta,
• Availability, and
• Willingness to participate on a medical panel.

The Panel will be made up of 3 (three) physicians. The worker, the employer, and the WCB will each have the opportunity to select a physician from the MPC’s list of eligible practitioners. If any party does not make a selection, the MPC will make a selection on that party’s behalf.

Panel Process

The Medical Panel reviews the medical information in the worker’s file and may:

• Interview and medically examine the worker,
• Receive input from the treating physician, and/or
• Request additional investigation or consultation as needed.

Once the review is complete, a written report outlining the Panel’s decision is sent to the MPC who will review the report to ensure the questions have been answered.  The MPC will then send the report to the Injured Worker, the Employer, and the WCB or Appeals Commission.   The Medical Panel’s decision is binding for all of the parties involved in the claim.

For more information, please see the Medical Panels Fact Sheet.