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Thread Title: Who does the measurements for MMI exam?
Created On Friday March 02, 2007 2:38 PM

zacko1
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Friday March 02, 2007 2:38 PM

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As many of you probably are aware, some doctors are farming out(usually to a non-doctor) the task of actually taking measurements for purposes of the MMI exam and developing WPI ratings. To be AMA compliant, and hence Labor Code compliant, doesn't the doctor him or herself have to do the actual measurements? Couldn't a valid argument be raised at trial that a medical report is either inadmissible or not substantial because the doctor did not do the measurements themselves?

Jpod
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Friday March 02, 2007 2:44 PM

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I think the answer is absolutely!!!

The doctor is in a heap of trouble if caught. No one would be repsonsible for the bill and the report would be thrown out. If you are aware of this type of activity you should report it to your local dostrict attorney or the attorney general's office. The medical unit would want to know to; I have found they will promptly investigate this type of behavior. They make personal visits to the doctors.

I don't think it matters what the status of the measurer is, doc, or non-doc.

The entire report is based on hersay.

zacko1
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Monday March 05, 2007 5:23 PM

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Jpod, thanks for your answer. I am thinking along the same lines. Any one have any experience actually going to trial on this issue, i.e., challenging a report from either side on the basis that the doctor who authored the report was not the one who actually did the AMA impairment measurements?

awasserlauf
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Friday September 26, 2008 2:13 PM

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I wonder whether answer is quite so equivocal. AMA Guides p.18, paragraph 2.2, I believe, indicate that a dr can seek input from another qualified physician to incorporate into his report. So then, what is objectionable about a neurosurgeon obtaining measurements from a qualified dr whom does ROM measurements, and indicating provenance in his report. Are you actually aware of any report being disqualified at trial on this basis?
Thanks for yr anticipated input.

gaiassoul1@yahoo.com
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Friday September 26, 2008 6:07 PM

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no, the physician does NOT need to actually take the measurements of himself, they use PTs in other states to take measurements, the doctors just need to supervise and be reasonably certain the measurements are accurate....so the answer within the Guides is also no as well.

There is no authority on this issue and as long as the doctor identifies and discloses who takes the measurements that is all that is required.

The Medical Unit goes by the Guides, was representing a physician whose defense attorney made this complaint and he was advised no go....so you are barking up the wrong tree on that one.

And sorry Jpod, but that heresay thing does not fly or we would have reports disqualified daily for the physician failing to read the actual x-rays or MRIs....they just read the report generated.

Edited: Friday September 26, 2008 at 6:09 PM by gaiassoul1@yahoo.com

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