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Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Skipping a Designated Doctor Exam
I 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.
A 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.
12:05 pm cst
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