Workers Compensation Second Opinion
It is not uncommon for the employer, who is represented by the workers compensation case worker, or you as the employee, to become unhappy with the lack of medical progress while undergoing treatment for work injury. In this case, you or the case worker may request a second opinion by another orthopedic hand surgery specialist. A second opinion is a visit to a physician other than the one a patient is currently seeing in order to get a differing point-of-view. Having confidence in your surgeon and the treatment plan plays a crucial part in the healing process.
In workers compensation, the most frequent reasons for getting a second opinion are:
☛ Current treatment not working
☛ Misdiagnosis of hand, wrist and elbow conditions
☛ Unsure if the non-surgical or surgical treatment is appropriate
☛ Dissatisfaction with impairment rating or work restrictions
☛ Poor physician-patient communication
☛ It is beneficial but not necessary that you bring to your visit any medical records and studies (X-ray, MRI, CT, nerve studies) with reports pertaining to your current condition.
During your visit, I will ask you about your symptoms and any prior diagnoses, examine and explain your condition, and discuss potential non-surgical and surgical treatment options. You should leave my office with a clear understanding of the opinion, whether or not it agrees with the recommendations of the first physician. If at any time you have any questions or concerns, I encourage you to bring them up during our discussion.
I will examine you, however, I will not perform X-rays or other studies. I do not provide treatment to patients seeking a second opinion in order to avoid any perceived conflict of interest while providing the second opinion.
If you would like to schedule a second opinion appointment, please call my office at (402) 354-0707. In addition, visit the New Patient section for downloadable forms and instructions, which you can bring to your visit.
In workers compensation, the most frequent reasons for getting a second opinion are:
☛ Current treatment not working
☛ Misdiagnosis of hand, wrist and elbow conditions
☛ Unsure if the non-surgical or surgical treatment is appropriate
☛ Dissatisfaction with impairment rating or work restrictions
☛ Poor physician-patient communication
☛ It is beneficial but not necessary that you bring to your visit any medical records and studies (X-ray, MRI, CT, nerve studies) with reports pertaining to your current condition.
During your visit, I will ask you about your symptoms and any prior diagnoses, examine and explain your condition, and discuss potential non-surgical and surgical treatment options. You should leave my office with a clear understanding of the opinion, whether or not it agrees with the recommendations of the first physician. If at any time you have any questions or concerns, I encourage you to bring them up during our discussion.
I will examine you, however, I will not perform X-rays or other studies. I do not provide treatment to patients seeking a second opinion in order to avoid any perceived conflict of interest while providing the second opinion.
If you would like to schedule a second opinion appointment, please call my office at (402) 354-0707. In addition, visit the New Patient section for downloadable forms and instructions, which you can bring to your visit.
