Pain management is often an essential component of medical assistance in a personal injury or workers’ compensation case. Whether it is prescribed medication orby non-medical means, pain management aids in reducing the discomfort the victim is experiencing. For doctors working on personal injury or workers’ compensation cases, here are a few important things to know:
The first aspect of the personal injury case is measuring the intensity of pain suffered by the victim. All medications prescribed are completely based on this detailed observation. From the beginning, all observations should be appropriately documented and the prescriptions should be maintained. These will serve as a perfect aid for the attorney in court.
The treating physician will also provide an estimated time for pain relief based on the intensity of injury observed. This directly implies whether the they client has a good case for the attorney. If the time required to recover is short, it generally means that the sustained injury was not of major consequence and they may end up losing in court. However, if the duration of recovery to is significant, the injury is of a higher intensity and it is likely that the injured party has a claim.
While evaluating the patient, it is crucial to ask a lot of questions about the accident and the resulting injury. This correlation will help both the doctor and attorney to decide on a course of action.
Pain management is not a one-time treatment. If severe, it will require a number of visits until the pain subsides. Whether the injury is big or small, it must be documented appropriately and even details that would seem insignificant can seem very important.
It is essential that the pain management specialist keep detailed records of each visit with the patient. Many doctors take photographs of the injury at each visit showing the impact of the medication. The changesin the patients condition may not be evident in the first few visits, but these photographs should be taken nonetheless. These may prove very helpful to the attorney in court!
Constant communication with the patient and the attorney is also essential for the case. The doctor must keep all parties updated on the progress of the patient and whether the prescribed treatment is working as planned.
Lastly, the treating physician must understand that each case will be different and the attorney may request very specific information. In addition to keeping records, the doctor will prepare a detailed deposition, as requested by the attorney,which will be submitted in the court. This will include every aspect ofthe intensity of pain, treatment and progress that has been made.
Looking for the right Pain Management doctor? Power Liens has multiple Pain Management specialists ready to see your patient on a Lien! The right physician for your case is just three clicks away.