In my Georgia workers’ compensation law practice I interact with dozens of insurance companies each week and I frequently find that claims adjusters take a very short sighted approach towards medical treatment for back injuries.
At least half of the clients I represent are suffering from some form of back injury. Low back pain (often disc herniations at L5/S1) is the most common problem I see but I also represent clients with damage to the spine at all regions: cervical, lumbar, sacral and thoracic.
Regardless of where the injury is localized, a common argument I have with insurance adjusters has to do with the need for fast treatment.
Despite dozens of research studies which show that fast diagnosis and treatment of any type of back injury results in faster and more complete recovery, I almost always find that insurance companies work to limit access to care and slow down the course of treatment.
Even in cases where an MRI shows a herniated disc that will require surgery, I inevitably find myself fighting to get the insurance company to agree to a surgeon, authorize surgery, approve post-surgical physical therapy or agree to pay for even short term prescriptions for beds, home modifications or even medications. [Read more…] about Delay in Treatment of Your Back Pain May be Hazardous to Your Health