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Full Version: Lawyers, W/C and Doctors HELP!!
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In California

When I got my attorney, I was instructed that under no circumstances was I to get a hold of the w/c insurance, I had to go through the attorney. Even when things just did not move along and I wanted answers as to what was the reason for the delays in various issues, I followed what my attorney said so as not to cause a problem and never called w/c. That makes sense to me as that is why I hired the attorney to help me.
I got a call today from the case worker from w/c and she told me to call her as my attorney, according to her, said that it is okay to call so as to tell her how things are going with my treatment (and/or lack of it) and where they are going from where we are right now. I called my attorney to see why all of a sudden it is okay to talk to w/c, but he is unavailable the rest of the week. Why would they agreed to have me do that? I have w/c on voicemail, so if they say that was never said to her, I do have the proof.

My questions are: Do I go ahead and call, fearing that they may say I said something I didn’t? Do I wait until the attorney comes back; maybe delaying some treatment I am waiting for and need because I did not call back?

Second: W/C has been calling my doctor EVERYDAY for the last 2 weeks, including some days twice during the day. They want to know if I can go back to work. When my doctor says no, that I need an operation, they come up with some forms the doctor has to fill out each time they call. My doctor and her nurses are getting frustrated and I am afraid they will just get fed up and refer me to another doctor so as not to deal with the hassle. What can I do so as to help them as they have been awesome the last 6 months and I don’t want to lose them?

Sorry for the long winded stuff. But I do thank you for any suggestions you may have.
don't talk to them; it's not necessary.
there is nothing you can do to make the relationship between the doctor and the carrier any different. they are in the carriers provider network and will have to deal with the demands as they see fit.
don't get involved in either situation.
claims last months & years; rarely is anything so critical the secretary or paralegal can't handle it.
You should NEVER have to tell the NCM anything when you have a lawyer. She is just being nosey and wanting to know what is going on for her own personal gain to get back to the employer and let them know how you are doing if you are still out of work. Their job is to get you back to work ASAP.

Leave this up to your lawyer. You hired a lawyer and should not have to deal with any of this. Keep the recording and let your lawyer hear it if he/she needs to.
Just sit tight and have your attorney handle it when he/she is back. The NCM is playing games and trying to get you to go along with her. You could hurt yourself if you have any contact with her.
Don't talk to the adjuster. Make sure you document EACH time she calls you. It is illegal for her to contact you knowing you have an attorney.
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