So I had an injury while on the job as an EMT. Doctors did surgery to fix the issue (recurrent dislocation of the thumb). The doctors would not release me to go back as an EMT but they let me go to work as Asset Protection (security) for a retail corporation. I couldn't live on the workers comp checks that weren't arriving on time. So I went and got that job. I have made multiple apprehensions (caught shoplifters) and every time I make an apprehension the shoplifter has to be detained... I have to grab them and escort them back to our office. 90% of the time I end up hurting my thumb. I think I made a bad decision by going to work asset protection. What can I do??
State: Maryland
wear a splint a go back to EMT work.
wear a splint a go back to EMT work.
Good thought... But the doctor wont clear me to go back to being an EMT even if I wear a splint... I already asked. I have been wearing spica splint at my AP job but it doesn't help due to the types of movement.
That's nonsense ! Demand the Dr. to release you, He has no right to do so, no ethical or legal standing to deny you RTW. ASk to sign off that you understand the risks but having a thumb problems is no serious risk to the general public or yourself and you can most likely meet the required job demands with a good splint designed by a hand therapist, have him refer you for evaluation of such. Even go so far as to demand the release or face a lawsuit !!!
Your Dr. has no right to deny you the RTW with a reasonable accomodation of a splint and is treating you as a person with a disability which may be illegal under ADA as well. Ask for a second opinion etc etc if you must but this is costing you big time.
marine,
I do agree with the opinion that Cycler has offer you in getting a 2nd opinion. Now as for taking the drastic measures of threatening your doctor, I don't exactly agree with that. Cycler is not your doctor and I am sorry to say but I do not believe in people on this forum giving people advice such as what he has given you. In my opinion if you take the drastic advice as per threatening suing your doctor and if you sign off stating you are aware of the risk you are taking in doing this against medical advice. You could be opening a larger can of worms that what you might be asking for (AMA). Although, I would get a 2nd opinion. That is always a good idea. Wishing you the best of luck and welcome to the forum. Take care!
Cycler,
Sorry, but I have to disagree with some of the advice you have given this individual. I feel it is a bit drastic without you knowing the entire situation or actually knowing and seeing what their own doctor is seeing with this persons injury. Yes, I realize it is only a thumb but any part of the body could be a concern depending on the entire situation which none of us on this forum actually are aware of. Hope you don't take this in a personal manner.
Marine, I am a cajun gal so here goes,
Cajun Hugsssssssss,
MJC
Your free to disagree all you want, I don't mind. The advice offered is however better than any received by this IW so far in my opinion. Taken at face value; ie, the limited info available, the DR has over-reached his authority on the matter and is acting against the best interests of his patient.
marine,
I do agree with the opinion that Cycler has offer you in getting a 2nd opinion. Now as for taking the drastic measures of threatening your doctor, I don't exactly agree with that. Cycler is not your doctor and I am sorry to say but I do not believe in people on this forum giving people advice such as what he has given you. In my opinion if you take the drastic advice as per threatening suing your doctor and if you sign off stating you are aware of the risk you are taking in doing this against medical advice. You could be opening a larger can of worms that what you might be asking for (AMA). Although, I would get a 2nd opinion. That is always a good idea. Wishing you the best of luck and welcome to the forum. Take care!
Cycler,
Sorry, but I have to disagree with some of the advice you have given this individual. I feel it is a bit drastic without you knowing the entire situation or actually knowing and seeing what their own doctor is seeing with this persons injury. Yes, I realize it is only a thumb but any part of the body could be a concern depending on the entire situation which none of us on this forum actually are aware of. Hope you don't take this in a personal manner.
Marine, I am a cajun gal so here goes,
Cajun Hugsssssssss,
MJC
Cycler isnt that pretty much par for the course though with workers comp doctors? I am going through what I feel is medical neglect with doctors only looking at a portion of the issue from the very first doctor I saw. Their reply when I mention the other issues "They only approved the right shoulder"
Your free to disagree all you want, I don't mind. The advice offered is however better than any received by this IW so far in my opinion. Taken at face value; ie, the limited info available, the DR has over-reached his authority on the matter and is acting against the best interests of his patient.
marine,
I do agree with the opinion that Cycler has offer you in getting a 2nd opinion. Now as for taking the drastic measures of threatening your doctor, I don't exactly agree with that. Cycler is not your doctor and I am sorry to say but I do not believe in people on this forum giving people advice such as what he has given you. In my opinion if you take the drastic advice as per threatening suing your doctor and if you sign off stating you are aware of the risk you are taking in doing this against medical advice. You could be opening a larger can of worms that what you might be asking for (AMA). Although, I would get a 2nd opinion. That is always a good idea. Wishing you the best of luck and welcome to the forum. Take care!
Cycler,
Sorry, but I have to disagree with some of the advice you have given this individual. I feel it is a bit drastic without you knowing the entire situation or actually knowing and seeing what their own doctor is seeing with this persons injury. Yes, I realize it is only a thumb but any part of the body could be a concern depending on the entire situation which none of us on this forum actually are aware of. Hope you don't take this in a personal manner.
Marine, I am a cajun gal so here goes,
Cajun Hugsssssssss,
MJC
That may be another matter entirely. The Dr may only treat and bill under comp those conditions recognized as work related, recognized by the legal system, not the medical side. Any other management would have to be done under your health insuracne or, if the DR only does OccMEd, another physician.
[quote=Animal04317]
Cycler isnt that pretty much par for the course though with workers comp doctors? I am going through what I feel is medical neglect with doctors only looking at a portion of the issue from the very first doctor I saw. Their reply when I mention the other issues "They only approved the right shoulder"
Cycler,
In fact you were the only person that offered advice to this poster so I guess it was the best advice anyone had offered.....lol. Like I said, one thing I agree with you on is the fact that he needs a 2nd opinion. I just felt you came on a bit strong telling this injured worker to be that demanding and to threaten to sue his doctor. The info was very limited in what was provided but still did not feel like it was the proper advice to give someone. Get the 2nd opinion is what I think if he is not happy with his doctor not releasing him back to work.
Cajun Hugsssssssss,
MJC
Animal,
A doctor will only treat the area that is being covered and accepted as your injury when it come to WC. They will not look at any other part of the body unless it has been accepted by WC as part of your injury. WC has to accept the liability of the injured part of the injured workers body not the entire injured worker. Hope this helps amd welcome to the forum. Take Care.
Cajun Hugssssssssssss,
MJC