How much care is TOO MUCH?

Question: What is the max time frame for treating most trauma cases?

Best practices require doctors to reach MMI. Once documentation [pain scales] shows the patient turning chronic and not improving – either make a referral or release with residual physical issues. For 90% of trauma cases, treating more than 6 months is generally disfavored.

Question: If the patient still is hurting and the trauma was exceptional – do I still have to stop care?

If a patient still has significant pain after 4 to 6 months—their condition may be considered ‘chronic’. By then an MRI [if older than 45] should have already been processed. Certainly an orthopedic or neuro-surgeon’s 2nd opinion is essential. Plus those MD’s must state in writing that continued care is ”reasonable and necessary.”


Monthly PI Teleconference

Wednesday, May 30 @ 1:00 PM Sharp!

COMMON ERRORS BY DOCTORS IN P.I.

With Special Guest
Gary Lewkovich, DC

E-mail johntawlian@shawnsteel.com for
telephone # and pass code.



Finally the PI Extravaganza @ SCUHS

A full accredited college course for students and practicing doctors.
World class faculty.
Approved for 15 hr CE credits
Absolutely everything you need to know
about PI.

The Most Important Comprehensive
PI Seminar This Year.

Saturday & Sunday, June 2 & 3, 2012

For registration form, click here


We work everywhere in California

From the Oregon border to the Mexican. We examine any cases in California to see if we can substantially help your patient. Just give us a call or check our web site: shawnsteel.com



Chair Collapse Case

Eilene Thomas, a school teacher, was sitting at a table in the Century City food court. The left front leg of the chair suddenly collapsed.


She went to a local urgent care facility, then saw her chiropractor. He diagnosed multiple bulging disc injuries to her neck. Pain to her shoulders and arms. She missed 17 days of work and her DC referred her to a pro chiropractic orthopedist.
Her continuing residual problems included at the time of trial: persistent neck pain and trouble sleeping.

Her combined medical bills and lost earnings were some $26,000. Defendant offered only $15,000. Thomas demanded $35,000. The jury awarded $85,529. Thomas v Westfield LA Superior Court / Santa Monica SC 111058, Jan 14, 2012.

PRACTICE TIPS:
  1. Thomas kept the chair –great evidence
  2. Going to ER or Urgent Care within 48 hours generally increases value at least 10%
  3. A pro chiropractic ortho always helps the DC in proving seriousness of disc bulges.
Juries are very sympathetic for on-going pain and residuals still unresolved.

Patient tried to settle by herself

Rosemary is a 50 year old social worker living in Costa Mesa. She was rear-ended and forced into the car in front. Her airbags deployed. She suffered persistent headaches, concussion, and abrasions to both arms and a visible seat-belt injury contusion. She waited a week before she sees her DC.

She begin began care June 2, 2010. She was released from care August 15, 2011. Her medical bills exceeded $12,000 chiropractic.

Her DC stated under prognosis Rosemarie suffered no on-going problems that all her complaints resolved 100%.

She did not hire an attorney. When Rosemarie negotiated with Allstate [!]. Allstate offered her exactly $5,000. Take it or leave it. After that, no attorney would touch the case. It was DOA

PRACTICE TIPS:
  1. When a patient refuses to get an attorney – the doc has little guarantee; liens are enforceable
  2. A patient who waits for care..can be explained ... but the burden is against her and her doctor
  3. Treating for over a year and incurring bills over $10,000 are almost never ever paid or appreciated. Invites investigations and litigation.