The use of special imaging and diagnostic procedures are becoming more popular in the clinical management of patients. Attorneys will be placed in the position of justifying the expense and use of these tests to the claims adjustor or judge. The doctor should consider the following questions before ordering such tests:
What is the clinical criteria for performing the test? If based solely on the patient's subjective complaints, this represents a very poor criteria.
Is the test both sensitive and specific for the condition? Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), for example, represent procedures which are both sensitive and specific. However, their use is often inappropriate in an uncomplicated soft tissue injury. Thermography, in comparison, is very sensitive, yet due to vast testing and interpretation variables, often renders the use of this test questionable.
Is the testing procedure well accepted in the scientific literature? For example, the timely use of paraspinal EMGs producing $900 to the incurred bills, in our experience, will bring the settlement process to a halt. The treating doctor may contend that the use of this special procedure was clinically necessary, but the insurance carrier will only reimburse those procedures proven in the clinical and literary arenas.
How will a "positive" or "negative" test alter the form of care rendered? A "positive" paraspinal EMG finding, in our experience, has never produced a change in the type of care rendered. For that matter neither has a "negative" result.
Is the test timely? The thermogram, for example, would be expected to be "positive" on the first days following the trauma, thus, negating the clinical criteria for performing said test during the acute stages of injury. For the above reasons, plus the high fees associated with these procedures, we feel the improper use of these tests often produces prolonged reimbursement to all parties; patients, attorneys, and doctors.
Read More of this article
- Well Managed Chiropractic Soft Tissue Injury
- Managing Soft Tissue Injury with Chiropractic
- Soft Tissue Treatments Personal Injury Case
- Frequency of Care for a Soft Tissue Injury
- Treatment Times for a Soft Tissue Injury
- Orthopedic Supports for Soft Tissue injuries
- Special Tests for Soft Tissue Injuries
- Narrative Reports for Soft Tissue Injuries personal Injury Cases
- End Points of Care Personal Injury Case
- Prognosis & Fees Personal Injuries Personal Injury Case
- Liability & Labor Disability Personal Injury Cases
- An Introduction to Outcome Assessment Personal Injury(Part 1)
- Outcome Assessment personal Injury(Part 2)
- Personal Injury Outcome Assessment(Part 3)
Writers Bio
Dr. Steven R. Jones is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. He received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in Sunnyvale, California. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice.
Dr. Jones is accepting new patients and would be happy to consult with you regarding your chiropractic needs. www.JonesPainRelief.com
Call Steve Jones at his San Diego Chiropractic Clinic
(619) 280 0554
www.jonespainrelief.comVisit our Adjustable Economical Mouse Platform website to learn more about or Buy Ergo Nav
Visit my San Diego Chiropractic Website to make an appointment
Read More Articles on Chiropractic, Nutrition, Preventative Health, Back pain, Neck Pain and more
No comments:
Post a Comment