State WC Assigned Case Manager? HELP!!

[BooBoosNeck]

Help I need advice.......Have any of you ever heard of State Dept of WC assigning a Nurse Case Manager? If so, why do they do it? I am in NM.

[oblivyous]

I can't answer your question but while you're waiting for someone to answer....Click on your post. At the bottom of the page there are other posts from injured workers who have asked about nurse case managers. May learn something there. Good luck.

[BooBoosNeck]

oblivyous Wrote:I can't answer your question but while you're waiting for someone to answer....Click on your post. At the bottom of the page there are other posts from injured workers who have asked about nurse case managers. May learn something there. Good luck.

Thanks for you input. After searching around I found out that "case management services are contracted for and are assigned to independent registered nurse case managers based on severity of injury, potential for chronic medical issues and need for coordination of services from multiple health care providers."
So, I guess they are doing it to contain costs. I just wish they could help fix me so I could move on with life.

[AQA]

The NCM works for the IC. Some are good and others are not. Some will try everthing they can to get the dr. to release you back to work. Others will try and get you all the care you need. They are not your friend and anything you say will go back to the IC. They will want to be in the exam room with you and the dr.. You have a choice here. If you do not want the NCM in the room while you are being diagnost by the dr.. all you have to do is say NO. The NCM will then speak with the dr. after your appointment.

Take Care

[1171]

they don't take the place of doctors and are not allowed to treat your injury. many serious injuries do not result in full recovery--few miracles in medicine

[BooBoosNeck]

1171 Wrote:they don't take the place of doctors and are not allowed to treat your injury. many serious injuries do not result in full recovery--few miracles in medicine

I spoke with the Ombudsmen at State Workers Comp and was told I MUST comply with Nurse Case Manager. Actually I don't have a problem with this because I am hoping he will light a fire under their (Jayne's lame attempt to bypass the Bad Word Filter) and get things moving.
So far the only thing that has given me any relief at all is water therapy. It feels good while I am in pool but unfortunately not after I get out of the water. I have only done about six water therapy appointments. I am going to ask they let me continue. Maybe I will be able to work my way to doing the exercises outside the water and it will help me improve.
My broken nose still has not been fixed, I cannot breathe through one side and my nose is REALLY crooked from the fall. The fall caused a deviated septum and serious sinus problems. It causes pain in my face by my sinuses beween my eyes.
Although wearing wrist braces helps temporarily the pain/tingling/numbness comes back soon after I stop wearing them. I want to talk to them about carpal tunnel surgery.
Also, my neck/shoulders/back and headaches are no better than they were 6 months ago. One of the meds he put me on actually causes worse headaches.
So, how many off you think the State assigned NCM is going to help me get all of this rolling??

[Bummer Knees]

We've all had different stories with case managers.

Some say the case managers helped them receive medical treatment.

The case manager I had denied the total knee replacement, spent 31 months with denials in court.

I hired an attorney and haven't seen a case manager since, and my attorney got the surgery approved.

[bronco54501]

BooBoosNeck.
My state laws are different, If I dont want them there they are not allowed. But as Aqa said, they will just talk to them after. As my lawyer said who is on the side line " not involved yet " says If you have a good or bad NCM you still have to watch what you say. For example mine always asks when I see her, How you doing and how you feeling. Now take caution how you answer cause they can and will use it against you.

As for my NCM she has been the best one I have heard from many Drs and pts. But even still dont let her play Dr, leave it to the dr and enforce that she has no input with your care. But as you say I hope she gets things moving for you, cause if you read up in here you will see that some have been on a very long road. As for your pain and headaches make sure you mention it to your DR so he may adjust some meds.
Hope you get better and have good luck with WC....

.....................Bronco..................

[Still in Limbo]

There are Good and Bad NCM's, as there is Good and Bad in any Profession. After being around and Dealing with Yours for a While, You will get a Feeling of which You Have. Do Remember though, that Their Job is to get You Back to Work as soon as they can, and Some try and do that at the Expense of the Injured Workers Health. Those are the Bad Ones, so as You go along, You will Hopefully Begin to See if they have Your Care at Heart! I Hope You got a Good One, and My Best to You!!

[Lilly]

Yes....i warn you too , to be especially careful how you answer your NCM.
For instance...If she asks you 'how are you doing today?' A normal answer from you would be 'fine, thank you!' Do not say this, as they will run back to IC and say you are feeling fine, and apparently your injury is healed. They will even try to befriend you...watch your small talk too. You can tell if they are fishing for info ...or trying to pump you.

My first NCM was the Nurse from Hell ! She was gawd awful, and the only reason i lawyered up. What a bit**

Thankfully my second NCM was short lived too, @ 2 months.

My 3rd NCM was an angel who genuinely tried to help me get the medical help I needed. She never interfered , or stuck her nose in, re: my medical care. I will aways be a bit beholding to this woman. She was my wc champion....but there are some horrible ones out there...so watch it...we're warning you!

IMO...You need to lawyer-up to protect yourself and help getting timely treatment
Lilly