How to Ruin a Perfectly Good Case!
ClAIMING YOUR TRAUMA PATIENT IS 100% CURED.
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| Most attorneys and judges immediately look at the end of your PI report to see what are the doctor’s conclusions. The case is of low value if the patient treated for a short period and the report concludes that the patient is: | |
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“free from pain” |
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“asymptomatic” |
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“full range of motion—no pain” |
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That all complaints are “resolved” |
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“no restrictions” |
These comments if not accurate, destroy otherwise good case. IF the patient has a flare up or is still experiencing pain, the report bars any future treatment.
We just saw such a case. A lovely patient was reduced to tears when she was shown her PI report. Her report concluded that of some 15 specific complaints all were ‘resolved’. In fact, she was still hurting. But she would be forbidden from continuing care by her doctor or any other doctor…Her case was effectively truncated.
We suggest that during your last visit with your PI patients that you conduct a final examination AND you have your patient complete an AMA approved Pain Disability Questionnaire PDQ. Contact JohnTawlian@shawnsteel.com for a copy.
SHAWN’S SPEAKING SCHEDULE
Victor Tong, DC & AssociatesNorth Hollywood 10/22/2011
Burbank 11/22/2011
Orange County 12/08/2011
H.J. Ross & AAC Advanced InsuranceSan Jose 10/15 & 16/2011
Blow Out in LA -- Doc of the Month David Collazo, DC
Miriam Duran on March, 9, 2009 was broadsided when defendant ran through a stop sign. Defendant claimed she stopped and Duran was speeding. Defendant St Farm also claimed it was small impact.
Duran saw her chiropractor. She was referred for an MRI which revealed 5 disc bulges. Then Duran received 2 epidural injections and ultimately was forced to undergo fusion and discectomy surgery on March 8. 2011.
Her medical bills exceeded $278,000. She continues to experience some pain and discomfort. Defendant claimed Duran’s injuries were “pre-existing”.
The jury found for Duran 100% liability and awarded $939,932. Duran demanded $100,000 policy limits. But defendant offered to pay the policy too late and the case went to trial. Duran vs. Kekilian LA Superior Court BC 431417; Judge Ruth Kwan, July 6, 2011
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Many middle age patients have unstable backs that MRI’s can easily prove. |
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After a blunt trauma those unsteady discs can become volatile. |
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Dr. Collazo managed this case conservatively and well. |
Next PI Teleconference
Wednesday, August 31 @ 1:00 PM
with our special guest
Fabian Proano, MD, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Why and when should Chiropractors use pain management doctors
To register
E-mail: johntawlian@shawnsteel.com
For telephone number & pass code
