I am in the state of NM.
I injured by back/neck/shoulders after a fall at work. I have had headaches since the fall. I have had sleep issues and was diagnosed with CTS.
Today when I went to Physical therapy I was checked in by an RN. While discussing my medical issues she told me that she was not diagnosing me, however she wanted me to read an article she had about Fibromyalgia. She believes all of my sysptoms point towards it. I believe NM uses the AMA Guide (fifth edition), does anyone know if that is correct? Also, I looked on the web and it seems Fibromyalgia is not listed as an imparment in that particular guide. So, what happens then? I would appreciate any info any of you have.
Thanks
New Mexico uses the most recent addition which is currently the 6th.
rating guide is used on the various bodily areas; it does not rate a diagnosis.
those with a functional loss in the neck would have a cervical rating done; similarly for heart or hearing etc.
ratings are only done when the loss is permanent.
Did your Doctor, or treating doctor tell you that you had Fibromyalgia?
If not, there isn't much more to talk about, till a doctor say's something.
No, but the Nurse said she was going to write it in the report (suggesting it may be the cause) so that is why I was curious. Thanks for the info.
Always remember, it's not what a Nurse states, but what a doctor states. My doctor would of ripped the Nurse a new one for trying to play doctor.
:)
Always remember, it's not what a Nurse states, but what a doctor states. My doctor would of ripped the Nurse a new one for trying to play doctor.
Many times a nurse will notice something that a physician does not. Therefore, it is appropriate for a nurse to suggest that a patient discuss all possibilities with the physician. If that nurse is an APN they have even more authority. It was a nurse that recognized the first cluster of SWINE Flu.
Lanise RN
I also believe that it is the Dr.s word BUT many an assistant or nurse will writ enotes that the Dr. pays alot of attention to and respects their judgement. I have Fibro. Many different reasons for getting it including injuries and trauma to the body and /or mind. There is no WC impairment rating for this. You would have to be rated on each individual body part as 1171 said. Doesn't mean you don't have fibr/doesn't mean you do. Just that you won't be rated on it. Do you have an attorney? You will need one with a dx like this.
Lanise, I am a Nurse person myself. Meaning I favor their good judgement. I'm not a Nurse though. As I read the Post/Thread, the Nurse was making the Patient feel as though they truely had Fibromyalgia, even though the RN stated they were not diagnosing them. At such point, patient is trying to research Fibromyalgia as a DX for their settlement and Rating issues.
In my knowledge banks, such Nurse should have made their notes, talked to the treating doctor, and let the Doctor handle it from there. It's not up to a Nurse to make these kind of suggestions to a patient, that could have some Depression going on in the background their not aware of, yet the doctor is.
In the field of Work Comp, the Nurse's suggestions won't even be considered in the Hearing program.