Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

hello everyone; I was supposed to have a level 3 laminectomy- diskcetomy on april 16, 2 DAYS before the surgery my doctor called
and told me that my surgery was cancelled by the wc adjuster
it seems to me that he was upset about my attorney not informing him about me changing doctors;I received the letter of approval from wc and then the adjuster denies it; is this legal? I spoke to my attorney and he told me we are requesting a court hearing
meanwhile I have to wait ; and the pain is not getting any better.my question is what can I expect from a court hearing? and also what happens if my surgery is denied...what happens next? i appreciate any help... thanks and god bless

the judge will determine whether it was an appropriate denial.
what happens next depends on you doctors treatment plan.
you did not indicate which state laws your claim is under as was requested at the top of this board so specific information cannot be provided.
In many states once treatment ends a rating is done and some additional disability benefits are provided. who knows if that's the case in your state.

forgot to mention that IAM in california. thanks 1171

I'm not sure whether your issue was a denial under Utilization Review rules or a denial of benefits based on liability for the injury.
you can find out about UR appeals here
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/UR_Main.htm

WC accepted liability for my case; even my attorneys doctor stated that wc doctors aknowledged liability and said I would need the surgery done in order to improve; it seems the pain is getting worse

if the court upholds the denial then you'll have use other treatment options.
at some point you can settle and procure it on your own or thru other insurance.
If you switched to a Non - Network doctor then that could be the reason for the denial.

thanks for your info 1171I appreciate it

WoW, you were lucky 2 days before surgery.

I was once on the cart naked, and drugged up, waiting to go into surgery when mine got canceled.