work comp independent examiner

November 17, 2006

Recently I've had some work comp. companies hire an idependent medical

evaluations company to have an MD evaluate the work comp patient to

determine need for care. They inevitably come back (with a report 3 weeks

later) saying they are 100% and don't need care anymore. The patients

report that the doctor didn't even touch them, check range or motion, nor

strength. Thereby the reports that I get back from these MD's is completely

false. I also make a point of telling the patient to bring someone with as

a witness. But what can I do?

I had to laugh at one statement by the MD claiming that the patient was

" exceedingly strong due to her line of work " , yet this women is horribly

weak and has no clue how to lift properly because her legs are so weak and

she didn't even know how to contract her transversus abdominus (until 4

weeks into treatment she finally got it!). I have the functional evaluation

to show that they are at 30% of where they should be to return safely to

work without reinjury.

In one case I wrote a letter the MD examiner pointing out our differences in

findings, outlining objective measures, and asking that he review his notes

and reconsider his findings. I've also asked to have a re-evaluation of the

patient with me present. Of course I get no response back.

In the meantime I continue to treat the patient following my plan of care

because I have proof of medical necessity, and the referring physician feels

they need the treatment too.

So my question is... Is there a way to deal with these companies without

having to file a dispute with the department of workforce development after

the patient is discharged from care?

--

Jeschke, DPT

lakemillspt@...

Lake Mills Physical Therapy, LLC

125B E. Pine St.

Lake Mills, WI 53551

phone:

fax:

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