OK, I had the surgery on Dec. 2nd (disc fusion at C5-C6).

The neurosurgeon now says I'm healed, and I don't need to be seen by him again. So, I need a new doctor of record.

The other doctors I've seen for this:

* Occupational doctor at work. Insisted the discomfort and pain was a result of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, resisted MRI or XRay, and finally agreed to MRI based on a QME insistence. When the MRI showed severe degeneration of the neck discs, and bone spurs, she transferred me to an ortho surgeon ASAP.

* Ortho Surgeon, referral, Dr. R. He was blase about surgery, although he agreed I'd need it at some point. He answered all my questions, and was reasonable on the first visit. Told me to come back in 6 months. When I came back in 6 months, he was dismissive. He took an Xray, and never reviewed it. His report falsified the appointment - claimed to have range of motion and grip function and neuro evals - none of which he did.

* My regular physician. She's smart and capable and listens to me, and answers questions - but she's not a specialist in any way on this.

So, none of them are all that...perfect. How do you find a good post-care doctor of record, knowing that another surgery is likely in 10-12 years?

Thanks.

Sandi

Your primary care physician. If you ever need ortho care for the surgical site, return to the surgeon who did it, either to reopen your claim, or after your PCP files to reopen. And even if you had an excellent result, a fusion should still get you a disability rating. The surgeon who did the surgery should be able to do this, but you will probably be sent to an IME. If you feel the rating is unrealisitc, ask for a second opinion. Often a functional capacity evaluation is done before a rating, to get good measurements on and changes in range of motion, loss of strength, etc. You might ask your PCP to order one before your rating, if the rating doc doesn't order one. An FCE will also let you know if you have any permanent limitations or restrictions for work and outside activites. These are generally done by physical therapists certified to administer such evaluations.

And if it were me I would let your state's medical board know about the second ortho, Dr. R. His practices are not only sloppy but dangerous.

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, I have had a QME, and there is a disability rating and apportionment conversation going on right now. I have an attorney, which is how I got the MRI and the approved surgery thus far.

Next QME meeting is in August, with a different Ortho Surgeon than Dr. R.

I raised the issues with Dr. R's eval with my attorney, and he counseled me not to do anything further at this time - he wants me to be docile until we end up in court.

OK, PCP seems reasonable to me too. I just wanted to make sure I was thinking about this appropriately.

Sandi