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.
QMERelied upon · orthopedic
Found 1% whole person impairment, no additional orthopedic care indicated, and applicant reached MMI. Recommended conservative home care and over-the-counter medication.
Dr. Vincent's opinion supported the need for further medical treatment and the finding of injury AOE/COE.
From the decision · page 6IV.
With respect to the WCJ's findings of injury AOE/COE and the need for further medical
treatment, these findings were based upon the opinion of QME Dr. Vincent as well as applicant's
credible testimony.
In her Opinion on Decision, the WCJ stated:
QMERelied upon · orthopedic
Updated diagnosis to right knee contusion with mild bony edema and minimal degenerative changes; confirmed 1% permanent disability based on ADLs; willing to reevaluate if condition worsens.
Dr. Vincent's supplemental report documented 1% permanent disability and noted ongoing treatment, supporting deferral of permanent disability issues.
From the decision · page 4supplemental medical report. He updated applicant's diagnosis to "a right knee contusion, as well
as mild boney [sic] edema and minimal degenerative changes." (Jt. Exhibit 1, Report of Hunter
Vincent, D.O., 3/24/25, at p. 9.) She was declared to be MMI and found to have sustained
permanent disability of 1%, based upon ADLs. (Id. at p. 11.) He noted that applicant received
additional sessions of physical therapy for the right knee from March 28, 2024 through April 11,
2024. (Id. at pp. 10-11.) Dr. Vincent made no other changes to his opinion, and he stated that if
applicant had a significant change in clinical presentation or significant worsening of pain he
would be happy to reevaluate her and reconsider the impairment rating. (Id. at pp. 10; 13.)
secondary_treaterRelied upon · orthopedic
Noted bony edema consistent with injury pattern; recommended continued physical therapy and follow-up as needed.
Dr. Pettegrew's treatment notes supported the need for further medical treatment after discharge by other treaters.
From the decision · page 8On reconsideration, defendant does not challenge the WCJ's finding of injury AOE/COE
to the right knee. Upon the finding of industrial causation, an award of possible future medical
treatment is appropriate and no specific modalities of treatment are being awarded. Although
treaters, Dr. Ramesh and NP Janz-Navarro, discharged applicant from care on March 5, 2024, Dr.
Pettegrew subsequently indicated on April 24, 2024 that applicant should continue physical
therapy and therapy sessions for group strength would also be appropriate, thereafter applicant
could "follow up as needed." (Id. at p. 8.) This is a treater's indication for future medical treatment.
Additionally, Dr. Vincent indicated over-the-counter NSAIDs and pain medication, conservative
home care for ongoing management can continue; this is the medical-legal expert's indication for
future medical treatment.