The role the physician served, and the weight the opinion carried. Physicians are named here as the decision names them; we do not score them.
QMENot substantial evidence · orthopedic medicine
No significant change in condition; remains MMI for all body parts; no new and further disability
QME opinion rejected on new and further disability issue in favor of treating physicians' evidence
From the decision · page 96:13, citing Ex. E, Report of Andrew Rah, M.D., dated June 20, 2022, at p. 17.)
PTPRelied upon
Persistent knee pain post-2020 surgery; requested intra-articular corticosteroid injections after PT and NSAIDs failed
Evidence of new need for medical treatment within five years
From the decision · page 2The physician conducted a physical examination of applicant and concluded that because both physical therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications had failed, authorization would be requested for intra-articular corticosteroid injections. (Ex. 15, Report of Chrisotpher Proctor, M.D., dated September 28, 2021, at p. 4.)
PTPRelied upon
Increasing neck pain and left radiculopathy; requested new PT, medications, cervical MRI, left shoulder ultrasound
Evidence of new need for medical treatment within five years
From the decision · page 3On March 29, 2022, PTP Dr. Wickman reevaluated applicant. Applicant presented with complaints of “increasing neck pain and left radiculopathy over the last year.” (Ex. 13, Report of Amy Wickman, M.D., dated March 29, 2022, at p. 4.) Applicant described the pain as “severe and interferes with completing work at home and sleeping.” ( Ibid.) Dr.
PTPRelied upon
Evaluated applicant’s complaints of follow-up of neck and left upper extremity complaints; indicated condition is not permanent and stationary
Evidence of new need for medical treatment within five years
From the decision · page 4unloader brace and again concluded that applicant’s “condition is not permanent and stationary.” On August 16, 2022, PTP Michael Kenly, M.D., evaluated applicant’s complaints of “follow-up of neck and left upper extremity complaints.” (Ex. 14, Report of Michael Kenly, M.D.,