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Blog Moderator:
Matt Lewis
Rogers, Booker & Lewis, P.C.
901 Waterfall Way, Suite 105
Richardson, TX 75080
(972) 644-1111 Telephone
Email Matt Lewis: matt.lewis@dallasworkcomp.com
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Wednesday, February 4, 2009 Skipping a Designated Doctor ExamI talked to an injured worker this morning that skipped her designated doctor appointment. She said she
wasn't ready for an impairment rating yet so she didn't go. This was such an unfortunate decision.
12:05 pm cst
CommentsA designated doctor is appointed by the Division of Workers' Compensation. When a claimant receives a letter detailing the appointment date and time and location, it also indicates it is an official order of the Division. Failure to comply with the order by presenting for the exam can result in the suspension of workers' comp benefits. That is not a very good situation to be in. Just because a designated doctor has been appointed does not mean that the injured worker will be given an impairment rating. It means the doc will examine the patient and the medical records and see if they have reached maximum medical improvement. If there is ongoing care that will help the claimant's recovery, the doc will most likely indicate that they are not at MMI and therefore not ready for an impairment rating. That decision is very helpful to a claimant's case. If only the lady I talked to this morning had attended the exam, she might have gotten that report and resolved the payment issues with her benefits. Now, she has potentially relieved the carrier of liability for her benefits. |
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