As a life care planner, I often encounter patients with brain injuries.  Some are mild and others more severe, but regardless of severity, brain injuries and the related treatment can be complex.   For those interested in learning about traumatic brain injury, check out this webinar scheduled for Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. PST.  The presenter is Dr. Jordan Firestone MD, PhD, MPH; a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine and the Medical Director for the Occupational Health  Center [read more]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        My practice sees many orthopedic injuries.  Injuries such as fracture, crush injuries, severe bruised muscles, deep vein thrombosis and other such injuries carry the risk of compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition involving increased pressures in a muscle compartment which can lead to muscle and nerve damage and circulatory issues. It most commonly occurs in the lower leg or forearm. In acute compartment syndrome, surgery is needed immediately.  A delay in surgery can lead to permanent damage. [read more]

Every employer should have information readily available for their employees with regard to workers compensation benefits.  This information should stay up to date and be available to all employees whether they are currently injured or not.  If you are not the one talking with your employees, someone else will.  Misinformation and lack of information is the primary problems that claims get out of hand. As a case manager and legal nurse consultant, I assist my patients with their questions and [read more]

In a recent article by Dr. Catherine Garner, she reports that the Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies case management as a field projected to grow faster than other job categories.  She explains that traditionally,case management has been a tool reserved for complex cases, but this may soon change as accountable care organizations take center stage next year.  Case managers will be needed to strategically manage services for all patients, even those in ambulatory care. It’s been said that case management, [read more]

Nigel Haskett, a 22 year old male, has been denied for workers compensation benefits after having been shot while on his job with McDonald’s in late August.  His attorney, Philip Wilson, of Little Rock has filed for a hearing before the Arkansas Workers Compensation Commission. According to Mr. Wilson and various newspaper and television reports, Mr. Haskett interceded to stop a male who was involved in a domestic dispute.  The assailant struck a woman in the restaurant.  The assailant, who was [read more]

 Many of my patients wonder what their benefits consist of when filing a workers compensation claim.  While benefits vary from state to state the most important thing to remember is that the injury must occur in the course and scope of employment.  Not all employees are covered by workers compensation insurance, but more are.  A claims adjuster can provide additional information if you are unsure if your employee is covered or not.  The adjuster is also the one who makes [read more]