Work Comp has authorized a CT scan to determine how the facets are.. denied the discogram request by my OSS as of yet because want to see if facets are still bearing out well..

They are eliminating my Telephonic Nurse Case Manager (probably because the rapport is good) and assigning a Field Case Manager however, down in San Diego Co. and I'm now living in LA Co.

They want to send me to a doctor that is in my PM's practice in San Diego as he's not involved in ADR trials and they want an unbiased opinion from someone not involved in trials...

* I'm thinking I should go ahead and get the CT scan

* I don't know about seeing this doctor if he's got nothing to do with ADR ... I'll have to talk with my PM about it as I don't want to see someone that is going to say that I should have a fusion after seeing all these doctors that have recommended ADR so far... even my current OSS would likely do multilevel ADR if the thought that WC UR would authorize it or at least I think he would.

* I'm going to put a call into my old WC firm to see if I can "chat" with a WC attorney or legal assistant about what is going on and bring up the topic of settlement also...

* I'm awaiting authorization for an ESI as my back is miserable in the a.m.s and for much of the day lately.. flare up.. usual stuff...

*** As I've made clear to my Nurse Case Manager and my OSS, I still need to get my BMD done as if that is problematic, we can likely scratch the idea of any surgery for now and concentrate further on building up bone mineral density first... (have to find a new primary doc as mine retired in December)...

Maria,

Looks like you are plugging away at this. My experience was that doctors that are not trained in ADR or not on the leading edge of spine technology are skeptical of ADR. I would what to know if this doctor has been to the Charite training or if he is signed up for it. If not I would be leery of a positive response for ADR at any level from him.

Paulette,
This is my feeling also. I'm not going to back down now and go backwards.. WC can suggest whatever they want however, I believe I'm still entitled to pick who I want to see, or is my treating doctor.

Maria,

2 steps forward then 1 step back,

YOU GO GIRL! http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Interesting that they would want a doctor that is not involved in an FDA study what is there rational. If you can pick your own doctors and did would they accept them even if they were not affiliated with an FDA study?

More power to you Maria! Maintaing communication with your previous WC associates may definitely help. You should have the ability to specify your treating physican and steer that doctor to recommend other specialists from your prefered list. My life is returning to normalcy and my case is moving forward. Hopefully, you will be able to say the same soon.

My husb. just called after work from San Diego, there were 4 messages on his phone re appts. for me, none for my epidural of course which is the only one I want set up there with my PM.

The new Field Case Manager called and left a message there.

The ortho's office called to confirm an appt. on Friday the 27th there in San Diego. That's funny, I didn't say I'd go there and if I do, I want to make the appt. considering I don't drive there but take a train and I'm only going there one time which will be when my ESI appt. is happening or my next PM appt. for scripts next month.

I'm really ticked off about referring me to someone that has nothing to do with this whole process. I want to investigate this doctor's stance on ADR after talking with my PM first since they're in the same building tho not sure about same practice. I have to check that out.

WC is so full of sh*t about saving $$ ~ really, it's a system that makes problems and extra costs for itself...

Maria: Is this ortho to be considered an "independent medical examiner?" Is he to render an opinion or be a treating physician? If this is an "independent" medical exam, I strongly suggest that you bring someone to be your witness and take notes--and if possible, videotape the exam. (Talk to your lawyer(s) about this). Lots to be learned about "independent" medical exams by googling--and you can PM me.
Barbara

Barbara,
I've had lifetime future medical benefits since the early 80's so this is just a consultation/referral.
Have had the IMEs in the past which stopped after re opening the case sometime in early 90's.
Haven't had to engage law firm since attaching penalties to nonpayment of a bill back around mid 90's. Tho will be contacting the firm to see what information I can gather on the what the WC insur. carrier is attempting.
The insur. carrier sent me to two ADR trial surgeons (they made initial referral,I didn't request it) over the last several years back when they were willing to pay for the surgery (decided against it this past Oct.).

Maria: Are you getting any facet injections too to rule them out as pain generators?

Allan,
So far I have a CT scan authorized. Should I be moving along with WC re the ADR way (or even if not~ just in case I'd want to head off to Germany) I will ask about the facet injections when I see my PM next for my next ESI which is hopefully going to be authorized very shortly...