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Page 1: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson

1/16/15

AMA Ratings

Advertising Material

Page 2: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer The content of this webinar has been prepared by Bryce Downey & Lenkov

LLC for informational purposes

This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship

You should not act upon this information without seeking advice from a lawyer licensed in your own state

In considering prior results, please be aware that: Each matter is unique

You should not rely on prior results related to past performance to predict success or results in future matters, which will differ from other cases on the facts and in some cases on the law

Please do not send or disclose to our firm confidential information or sensitive materials without our consent

2

Page 3: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

If you would like a recording of this or prior webinars, please email Rich at [email protected]

January Workers’ Compensation Newsletter

Giveaway at the end – FREE STUFF

Survey- please complete

• Defending Pain Claims: A Medical & Legal Perspective • Turning The Tables: Using an Employee's Own Actions As a Defense to Their Workers’ Compensation Claim

• Subrogation Basics For Workers’ Compensation Professionals • Defending Repetitive Trauma Claims In Illinois Workers’ Compensation

• Workers’ Compensation Negotiation Strategies • Traveling Employees In Illinois Workers' Compensation

• Employment Law Issues Every Workers' Compensation Professional Needs To Know About

• Illinois vs Indiana: 5 Key Issues & How Each State Deals With Them

• 10 Illinois Workers’ Compensation Cases You Need To Know • AMA Guidelines: A Legal and Medical Perspective

• Ask an Attorney Anything: Your Most Pressing Workers' Compensation Questions ANSWERED

• Preferred Provider Programs

• Defending Workers’ Compensation Psychiatric Claims

3

Page 4: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

Upcoming News & Seminars • Legal Faceoff is a fast paced, high energy legal podcast airing every

other Friday on WGN PLUS. Each week, Jason Whiteside (an exceptional Chicago plaintiff’s attorney) and Rich Lenkov provide a legal point/counterpoint perspective on the hottest issues in sports, Hollywood, politics and current events. Of course, with a couple of jabs here and there.

Our most recent episode was released on 1/8 and you can listen to it at http://wgnplus.com/category/legal-face-off/

Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Email [email protected] to interact with the show. Send us your questions and we will answer them on air—nothing is off limits.

• On 1/22/15, the CLM Greater Chicago Chapter will be hosting

“What Are They Thinking: Secrets Revealed From Risk Professionals.” For more information, Click Here

• On 2/13/15, Rich Lenkov will present “Employment Law For Workers' Compensation Professionals” in Danville, IL for CEU Institute

4

Page 5: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

Rich Lenkov (312) 327-0032 (312) 371-2039 (Cell) [email protected]

Speakers

Dr. Leon S. Benson (847) 998-5680 [email protected]

5 5

Page 6: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

Poll #1

6

Which of the following is not a factor the Commission uses to determine PPD?

A. Occupation B. Future earning capacity C. AMA impairment rating D. Gender E. Age

Page 7: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

Poll #1 Answer

7

D. Gender 5 Factors 1. Occupation 2. Future earning capacity 3. AMA impairment rating 4. Corroboration of treating medical records 5. Age

Page 8: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

I: Legal Issues The Statute

8

Section 8.1(b) A physician licensed to practice

medicine in all of its branches…shall report the level of impairment in writing

Report shall include: range of motion strength measured atrophy of tissue mass

consistent with injury any other measurement

Page 9: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

AMA Guide

9

6th edition of the American Medical Association’s “Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment” shall be used by the physician in determining the level of impairment.

Page 10: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

Marque Smart v. Central Grocers 12 ILWC 8366; 14 IWCC 0374 (5/20/14)

10

Petitioner injured back while lifting case of meat

Operated herniated disks

No AMA rating

Arbitrator: no impairment rating does not preclude PPD award

Award: 25% MAW

Dissent: PPD shall be established using all five factors (impairment rating is required)

Affirmed by Commission (5/20/14)

Pending appeal in Circuit Court

Page 11: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

AMA guide

11

Disability: activity limitations and/or participation restrictions in an individual with a health condition, disorder, or disease

Impairment: a significant deviation, loss, or loss of use of any body structure or body function in an individual with a health condition, disorder or disease

Impairment ≠ Disability

Page 12: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

AMA Guide

12

Treating physicians Not independent

Rating subject to greater scrutiny

AMA: treater should not render AMA

WCA: silent on that

Who is qualified to give an impairment rating? Physician licensed to practice medicine in all its

branches

Chiropractors- cannot give rating

Act does not require certification

IME v. treater?

Page 13: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

Poll #2

13

Of the 65 Illinois decisions where AMA was an issue, on how many occasions did the arbitrator award an amount within 5% pts of the AMA rating? A. 5 B. 13 C. 22 D. 26

Page 14: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

Poll #2 Answer

14

B. 13 cases

Page 15: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved 15

AMA Cases Frederick Williams v. Flexible Staffing

11WC046390 13IWCC0557

Thompson-Smith 07/24/2012

Operated ruptured distal biceps tendon

Dr. Mark Levin 6%UEI 4% WPI

30% Right arm; reduced by Commission to 25%

Cook County Circuit review pending (Respondent); Remanded to IWCC 02/2014; IWCC affirmed 25% Right Arm 07/22/2014; Respondent Circuit Court Review 08/15/2014

Zachary Johnson v. Central Transport

11WC041328

Thompson-Smith 07/24/2012

Fractured metacarpal neck with angulations

Dr. Michael Vender 7% index finger 1% hand 1% UEI 0% WPI

10% Right hand Settled for 8.5% Loss Right hand (9/20/2012)

David Chris Young v. Continental Tire

11WC039821 13IWCC1086

Luskin 11/05/2012

Hemilam & discectomy L4-5

Dr. David Lange 11% WPI No award; no causation

IWCC reverses & awards 27.5% MAW; Respondent Circuit Court review filed (01/21/2014); Settled for 27.5% MAW (4/03/2014)

Shawn Dorris v. Continental Tire

11WC046624 Zanotti 11/27/2012

Operated TFCC tear Dr. David Brown (treater)

6% UEI 13% Left hand Final

Jeffrey Garwood v. Lake Land College

12WC004194 14IWCC0068

Lindsay 01/03/2013

Operated medial & lateral menisci

Dr. Joseph Monaco (deposed)

8% LEI 3% WPI

20% Left leg Respondent Review; Affirmed & adopted 14IWCC0068 (02/13/2014)

Martha Mansfield v. Ball Chatham CSD

12WC014648 McCarthy 01/07/2013

Medial menicsectomy Dr. Michael Lewis (deposed)

1% LEI 17.5% Left leg Final

Page 16: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved 16

AMA Cases Michael Arscott v. ConWay Freight

12WC003876 14IWCC0018

Luskin 01/14/2013

Operated medial meniscus

Dr. Sanjay Patari 20% LEI 8% WPI

20% Left leg Commission increases to 25% leg (01/16/2014)

Robert Riley v. ConWay Freight

12WC011083 13IWCC0759

Luskin 01/14/2013

Operated knee ACL Dr. McIntosh (treater)

7% LEI 3% WPI

27.5% Right leg Respondent Review; IWCC Affirmed & adopted (08/27/2013)

Curtis Oltmann v. Continental Tire

12WC011777 13IWCC0744

Luskin 01/14/2013

Fractured wrist Dr. David Brown (treater) (deposed)

0% UEI 5% Left hand Respondent Review; Affirmed & adopted; Respondent Circuit Court Review pending (9/9/2013); Circuit Court confirmed (08/29/2014)

Timothy Brown v. ConWay Freight

12WC004657 Luskin 01/14/2013

Rotator cuff tear; operated

Dr. David Fetter 6% UEI 4% WPI

10% whole person Final

Alice Kruger v. Building Blocks Preschool

12WC015575 Mathis 02/06/2013

Non-displaced fracture shaft fifth metatarsal

Dr. Li (deposed)

0% LEI 10% R foot Final

Albert Kasper v. ConWay Freight

11WC043891 Thompson-Smith 02/25/2013

Thoracic & lumbar strain

Dr. Michael Kornblatt

0% WPI 3% Whole Person Final

Robert Griffin v. Caterpillar

11WC040321 14IWCC0062

Mathis 03/1/2013

Medial meniscectomy Dr. Rajesh Ethiraj (deposed)

2% LEI 1% WPI

15% Left leg Respondent review; Affirmed & adopted (1/31/2014)

Robert Liazuk v. Bolingbrook Police Department

12WC011804 13IWCC0934

Falcioni 03/28/2013

Multiple disc protrusions & stenosis (injections)

Dr. Klaud Miller 0% WPI 5% MAW Affirmed & adopted (11/04/2013)

Jeff Wessel v. Village of Millstadt

12WC030259 13IWCC1029

Gallagher 03/29/2013

Left knee ACL repair & meniscectomy

Dr. Richard Rende 8% LEI 30% L leg 30% Affirmed by IWCC, rationale of decision modified (12/06/2013)

Heath Gutzler v. Continental Tire

11WC046999 Gallagher 04/19/2013

Low back; disc; operated

Dr. Bernard Rerri (treater; deposed)

12% WPI 20% MAW Final

Page 17: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved 17

AMA Cases Rick Fassero v. UPS 12WC017291

13IWCC0858 Zanotti 05/05/2013

Right meniscectomy Dr. Lawrence Li 1% LEI 1% WPI

15% R leg Affirmed & adopted (10/07/2013)

Steven Thomas v. Peoples Gas

12WC018268 13IWCC1001

Flores 05/23/2013

Right shoulder surgery Dr. Mash 5% UEI 3% WPI

7.5% MAW (14.822% arm)

IWCC modified up to 12.65% MAW (25% arm); Settled for IWCC award (01/09/2014)

Anthony Rummans v. City of Peoria

12WC000663 Fratianni 06/05/2013

Left foot accessory navicular syndrome

Dr. Nord (deposed) 1% WPI 20% Left foot Settled 20% loss of foot (07/23/2013)

Hosam Salama v. UPS

12WC019435 13IWCC1058

Thompson-Smith 06/07/2013

Fracture 5th metacarpal right hand (ORIF)

Dr. Michael Lewis 0% UEI 17% right hand Affirmed & adopted (12/11/2013)

Michael Harrison v. Village of Forest Park

11WC048412 Kane 06/11/2013

Right Achilles tendon rupture (surgery)

Dr. Simon Lee (deposed)

1% LEI 12.5% Right foot Final

Cheryl Sprague v. Dickey John

12WC030146 McCarthy 06/19/2013

Carpal Tunnel Dr. Robert Gordon (deposed)

1% UEI (Left) 4% UEI (Right)

7.5% Left Hand 15% Right hand

Final

Bill Zettler v. American Coal

12WC020486 13IWCC1124

Granada 07/01/2013

Carpal tunnel operated

Dr. Mitchell Rotman 5% hand(?) 10% hand Affirmed & adopted (12/30/2013)

Eugenio Vasquez v. United Conveyor Corp.

11WC047065 Simpson 07/08/2013

Lumbar strain, aggravation of DDD, injections

Dr. Mark Levin 2% WPI 2% MAW Final

Nancy Watkins v. Masterbrand Cabinets

12WC017286 14IWCC0035

Lindsay 07/11/2013

Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Dr. Benson 1% UEI 1% WPI

7.5% each hand IWCC modifies up 12% each hand (01/23/2014)

Steven Miller v. ConWay Freight

12WC041880 Thompson-Smith 07/17/2013

Right shoulder (arthroscopic repair partially torn rotator cuff)

Dr. Craig Westin (treater “at the request of the respondent”?)

7% UEI 4% WPI

12% Whole person (60 weeks=23.7% arm)

Respondent Review Filed (08/09/2013)

Page 18: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved 18

AMA Cases Scott Buxton v. Caterpillar

11WC041682 14IWCC0704

Zanotti 08/7/2013

Left thumb fracture Dr. Rajesh Ethiraj (deposed)

6% digit 2% hand 2% UEI

25% Left thumb Affirmed & adopted (08/20/2014)

Brandon Saner v. Caterpillar

12WC004413 Zanotti 08/7/2013

Left shoulder (surgery)

Dr. Rajesh Ethiraj (deposed)

5% UEI 10% whole person Final

Lena Terry v. Caterpillar

12WC016355 Zanotti 08/7/2013

Right shoulder (surgery)

Dr. Rajesh Ethiraj (deposed)

5% UEI 10% whole person Final

Terry Bone v. Aramark

11WC043241 14IWCC0134

Gallagher 08/30/2013

Complete laceration achilles tendon (surgery)

Dr. John Krause (deposed)

6% LEI 30% loss Right foot Respondent review; No orals; IWCC modifies down to 15% loss of right foot (02/26/2014); Petitioner filed Circuit Court review (3/11/2014)

Nicholas Duncan v. Federal Whalen Moving

12WC034355 Erbacci 09/4/2013

Left knee arthroscopy (chodroplasty left medial femoral condyle)

Dr. John Cherf 1% LEI 1% WPI

25% Left leg Respondent Review dismissed (06/27/2014)

Michael McKenzie v. Continental Tire

12WC006169 14IWCC04345

Gallagher 09/11/2013

Bilateral cubital tunnel & right carpal tunnel (operated)

Dr. Richard Howard 2% UEI Left 4% UEI Right

15% Left Arm 15% Right Arm 12.5% Right Hand

Affirmed & adopted (06/05/2014)

Brian Fiene v. Zion Police

11WC047182 14IWCC0445

Holland 09/30/2013

Operated shoulder Dr. William Vitello 2% UEI 1.2%WPI

10% whole person IWCC increased to 15% whole person Commission Decision rendered (06/06/2014)

Kent McFall v. The Sigma Network

12WC039335 14IWCC0297

Lindsay 10/18/2013

Fusion cervical spine Dr. Stephanian (treater)

10% WPI 17.5% MAW IWCC increases to 22.5% MAW (4/28/2014)

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© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved 19

AMA Cases Brandon Saner v. Caterpillar

12WC004413 Zanotti 08/7/2013

Left shoulder (surgery)

Dr. Rajesh Ethiraj (deposed)

5% UEI 10% whole person Final

Bruce Burger v. Con-Way Freight

12WC012111 Dollison 10/31/2013

Comminuted displaced fracture distal phalanx great toe

Dr. Eric Bartel (treater) & Dr. Ira Kornblatt (IME)

0% Impairment (Bartel & Kornblatt)

10% R great toe Final

Lino Gonzales v. Spring Meadows

12WC013350 O’Malley 11/04/2013

Bilateral CTS operated

Dr. Jeffrtey Coe 2% each UEI 12.5% R hand 10 % L hand

Settled for award (01/14/2014)

Carl Jones v. Orland Fire Protection District

11WC040157 Dearing 12/03/2013

C5-6 disc bulge/herniation one injection

Dr. Micael Kornblatt (deposed)

4% WPI 6% MAW Petitioner Review filed (12/23/2013)

Cindy Zeimer v. Caterpillar

12WC029231 McCarthy 12/10/2013

Rotator cuff operated Dr. Ethiraj (deposed)

5% UEI 3% WPI

14% MAW (27.7% arm)

Final

Aaron Yingst v. Caterpillar

13WC006303 McCarthy 12/13/2013

Bilateral carpal tunnel operated

Dr. Ethiraj 2% each UEI 11% each hand Final

Michael Pyle v. CDS 12WC009720 14IWCC0497

Erbacci 12/11/2013

Spiral fractures right distal fibula and tibia, ORIF

Dr. Alan League (not deposed)

9% LEI 4% WPI

45% Right leg IWCC increases to 50% Right leg (6/23/2014)

Ninus McLean v. Sysco

11WC043008 Mathis 12/23/2013

Possible shoulder tear and elbow strain (no surgery)

Dr. Paul Papierski (deposed)

2% WPI (?) 5% MAW & 2.5% Left arm

Final

Gene Eubanks v. ConWay Freight

12WC033476 Doherty 12/30/2013

Medial meniscectomy Dr. Patari 4% LEI 2% WPI

15% left leg Final

Bruce Burger v. Con-Way Freight

12WC012111 Dollison 10/31/2013

Comminuted displaced fracture distal phalanx great toe

Dr. Eric Bartel (treater) & Dr. Ira Kornblatt (IME)

0% Impairment (Bartel & Kornblatt)

10% R great toe Final

Lino Gonzales v. Spring Meadows

12WC013350 O’Malley 11/04/2013

Bilateral CTS operated

Dr. Jeffrtey Coe 2% each UEI 12.5% R hand 10 % L hand

Settled for award (01/14/2014)

Page 20: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

NAME OF CASE CASE #’s ARBITRATOR INJURY AMA RATER AMA RATING PPD AWARD STATUS

Alfonso Sepeda v. Keystone Calumet

12WC041328 14IWCC0510

Flores 01/08/2014

Comminuted fracture great toe; 2nd toe FX;

Dr. Sam Vinci (deposed)

2% LEI 10% Left foot Affirmed & adopted (6/18/2014)

Randall Renken v. Chief Redi Mix

12WC018040 Mathis 01/14/2014

Clavicle & scapula fractures; facial contusions

Dr. Li 2% impairment 6% MAW Final

Keith Littlejohn v. ABF

13WC002732 Dollison 01/27/2014

Rotator Cuff surgery Dr. Ram Aribindi 3% UEI 2% WPI

15% MAW (29.64% arm)

Respondent Review filed (02/20/2014)

Stephanie Wright v. Aramark

12WC009505 Doherty 02/06/2014

Left shoulder Impingement & SLAP tear

Dr. Charles Carroll (deposed)

5% UEI 3% WPI

15% MAW (29.64% arm)

Final

Keith Maffia v. Con-Way Freight

13WC008352 Dollison 02/24/2014

Distal biceps tendon tear (surgery recommended, declined)

Dr. Keith Rezin 5% UEI 12.5% L arm Review Filed Respondent (03/28/2014)

Kenneth Cubilo v. URS Energy

12WC034037 McCarthy 02/25/2014

Operated rotator cuff

Dr. Lawrence Li (deposed)

5% UEI 3% WPI

10% MAW (19.76% R arm)

Review Filed Respondent (03/06/2014)

Shawn Kenney v. Modern Drop Forge

12WC010509 Huebsch 02/27/2014

Displaced fracture distal fibula ORIF

No AMA No AMA 32% right foot Final

Daniel Mota v. Con-Way Freight

12WC012112 Hegarty 03/10/2014

Left shoulder strain Dr. Kevin Tu (twice)

2% UEI 1% WPI

5% MAW (9.88% arm)

Final

David Sharpe v. Lake Land College

12WC042493 Gallagher 03/11/2014

Distal biceps tendon rupture operated

Dr. Frank Petkovich (deposed)

5% UEI 22.5% left arm Respondent Review Filed (04/15/2014)

20

AMA Cases

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© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved 21

AMA Cases James Hess v. DesPlaines School District

12WC004649 Cronin 03/24/2014

Wrist sprain dislocation, operated synovectomy

Dr. Daniel Nagle (deposed)

10% UEI 6% WPI

20% R hand Respondent Review Filed (4/24/2014)

Jonathon Shannon v. Caterpillar

13WC028744 Granada 04/04/2014

Left shoulder rotator cuff operated

Dr. Coe 8% UEI 5% WPI

8% MAW Petitioner Review filed 04/24/2014; voluntarily dismissed

Robert Armstrong v. ConWay

12WC015358 Carlson 4/17/2014

Acute dislocation 5th metatarsal; spiral fracture 4th metatarsal; surgery

Dr. Mark Levin 4% LEI (Right) 0% LEI (Left)

30% Right foot 8% Left foot

Respondent Review Filed (05/07/2014)

James Byars v. United Parcel

13W014189 Carlson 4/17/2014

SLAP tear left shoulder operated; cervical injury

Dr. Joseph Monaco 2% LEI (Left) 1% WPI (cervical not related)

15% MAW (equivalent of 29.64% left arm)

Arbitration Decision Rendered

Shawn Gilbertson v. City of Rockford

12WC038625 Falcioni 06/05/2014

Two level lumbar laminectomy, no fusion

Dr. Stephen Weiss (deposed)

11% WPI 25% MAW Respondent Review Filed

Rodney Bergae v. Southern Wine & Spirits

13WC010681 Dearing 07/22/2014

Left distal biceps tendon repair

Dr. David Fletcher (deposed)

5% UEI 20% Left Arm Arbitration Decision Rendered

Jeff Brasel v. Chicago Beverage

11WC041862 Andros 08/07/2014

Achilles tendon tear; Arthroscopic knee surgery

Dr. Ira Kornblatt 7% LEI (5% for foot + 2% for knee)

25% Left foot (No award for leg due to credit for 25% previous loss)

Arbitration Decision Rendered

Jason McKenna v. Lincolnshire Riverwoods Fire Protection District

12WC001105 Fratianni 08/15/2014

Left distal biceps tendon repair

Dr. Mark Levin 0% UEI 25% Left Arm Arbitration Decision Rendered

Jeffrey Prodoehl v. Southwest Airlines

13WC000665 Huebsch 09/02/2014

Left shoulder rotator cuff tear (operated)

Dr. Peter Hoepfner 3% UEI 2% WPI

9.75% MAW (19.23% Arm)

Arbitration Decision Rendered

Joseph Baird v. 3M 13WC011292 Granada 10/03/2014

Bilateral shoulders (right operated)

Dr. Welch (deposed)

3% right UEI 1% left UEI 2% WPI

30% MAW Arbitration Decision Rendered

Juan Carlos Avila v. Country Club Hills Police Dept.

12 WC 40945 Kane 1/7/14 Foot sprain Dr. Simon Lee 5% LEI 7.5% right foot IWCC increases to 12.5% right foot (11/25/14)

Page 22: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

Legal Concerns

22

Is report hearsay? Effect on settlement negotiations Expense of obtaining rating

Page 23: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

© Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved

II: Medical Issues Dr. Leon S. Benson

23

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with additional board certification in hand and upper extremity surgery; also board certified in Independent Medical Examination

Board of Directors, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Chicago

Chairman, Division of Hand and Upper Extremity, NorthShore University HealthSystem

Associate Editor, The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery

Procedures: Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery (Adult and Pediatric), Independent Medical Exam and Impairment Rating, Joint Replacements (Fingers, Wrist, Elbow), Tendon and Muscle Repair

Medical School: Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, 1985

Internship: Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, 1986

Residency: Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, 1990

Fellowship: Harvard Medical School, 1991

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (847) 998-5680 [email protected]

Page 24: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform...2015/01/16  · © Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC, 2015, All Rights Reserved Rich Lenkov Dr. Leon S. Benson 1/16/15 AMA Ratings Advertising Material

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Impairment Class

24

Class 0 No problem

Class 1 Symptoms with strenuous

activity

Class 2 Symptoms with normal activity

Class 3 Symptoms with minimal

activity

Class 4 Symptoms at rest

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Sample rating chart

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Ratings- how to calculate

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CDX- Class of Diagnosis

Modifiers- Functional History, Physical Exam & Clinical Studies

Total adjustment- (FH-CDX)+(PE-CDX)+(CS-CDX)

Once in class, never leave class

If diagnostic study used to determine diagnosis, can’t be used for modifier (see following example)

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Ratings example

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From AMA Guides: page 417

55 year old man sustains injury lifting tire; popping sensation and acute onset of pain; ruptured biceps tendon; surgery refused; at MMI, complaints of decreased strength and pain with normal activity

Functional History: pain w/activity; QuickDASH score 30

Physical Exam: tenderness noted in the antecubital fossa (elbow); strength in flexion and supination diminished to 4/5; 1 cm. atrophy compared to opposite; ROM elbow normal

Clinical Studies: MRI elbow confirmed tear of the distal biceps tendon

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Functional History: pain w/activity; QuickDASH score 30- Modifier= 2

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Physical Exam Tenderness noted in the

antecubital fossa Strength in flexion and

supination diminished to 4/5

1 cm. atrophy compared to opposite

Normal ROM Modifier= 1

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Sample ratings

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Clinical Studies Modifier

MRI elbow confirmed tear of the distal biceps tendon

Diagnostic test used to determine diagnosis, therefore, we do not use for modifier

Clinical Studies Modifier= N/A

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Rating sample calculation

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Diagnosis Class= 1

Function History Modifier= 2

Physical Exam Modified= 1

Clinical Studies Modifier= 0

Adjustment Equation (FH-CDX)+(PE-CDX)+(CS-CDX)

(2-1)+(1-1)+(N/A) = 1

Move from default, one space to the right

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Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand

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Quick DASH Questionnaire

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Functional Assessment

11 questions

Additional Work Module

4 questions

Simple and fast

No cognitive or language barriers

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Rating Steps

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Find diagnosis using Key Factor: ‘Rotator cuff injury, full-thickness tear’ in Shoulder Regional Grid

Assign class based on ‘Non-key Factors’ This patient is Class 1 with midrange default of 5% UEI (to start)

Functional history: Grade Modifier 2 for pain with normal activity Physical Exam: Grade Modifier 1 due to muscle atrophy of 1 cm Clinical Studies: Not applicable (tear used as basis for diagnostic criteria and imaging studies pre-

operative) Calculation: GMFH – CDX (2-1) = 1 GMPE – CDX (1-1) = 0 So net adjustment = +1 Adjust 1 position to the right of Default position C; impairment increases from 5 to 6% UEI Corresponds to 4% WPI

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Getting to Whole Body Impairment

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Determine impairment of body part

Convert to impairment of extremity

Convert next to impairment of whole

body

If multiple extremities (or other body

regions involved), usually they add after

whole body impairment is determined

per extremity

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A Few Other Observations

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Patients must be at MMI in order for an

impairment rating to be determined (!)

Patients very often do not understand

the process

Quick Dash Form can be very helpful;

often coincidentally identifies patients

who are exaggerating impairments

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Some Impairment Ironies

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Patients who think they are seriously impaired

often yield ratings that are very low

Objective findings greatly outweigh subjective

complaints in the overall scheme of the

impairment rating process– as it should

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy maxes out at a

total impairment of 3% and precludes other

sources of impairment (!)

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Special Giveaway

Type your answer into the question box The first person to answer correctly wins:

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Special Giveaway The Super Bowl is the 2nd largest food consumption day of the year. How many chicken wings are estimated to be consumed this day?

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Answer 1.25 billion

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Bonus Giveaway

Type your answer into the question box The first person to answer correctly wins:

42

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Bonus Giveaway What is the name of CFL equivalent of the NFL Super Bowl?

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Answer The Grey Cup

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Rich Lenkov (312) 327-0032 (312) 371-2039 (Cell) [email protected]

Questions & Answers

Dr. Leon S. Benson (847) 998-5680 [email protected]

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If you would like a recording of this or prior webinars, please email Rich at [email protected]

January Workers’ Compensation Newsletter

Giveaway at the end – FREE STUFF

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• Defending Pain Claims: A Medical & Legal Perspective • Turning The Tables: Using an Employee's Own Actions As a Defense to Their Workers’ Compensation Claim

• Subrogation Basics For Workers’ Compensation Professionals • Defending Repetitive Trauma Claims In Illinois Workers’ Compensation

• Workers’ Compensation Negotiation Strategies • Traveling Employees In Illinois Workers' Compensation

• Employment Law Issues Every Workers' Compensation Professional Needs To Know About

• Illinois vs Indiana: 5 Key Issues & How Each State Deals With Them

• 10 Illinois Workers’ Compensation Cases You Need To Know • AMA Guidelines: A Legal and Medical Perspective

• Ask an Attorney Anything: Your Most Pressing Workers' Compensation Questions ANSWERED

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• Defending Workers’ Compensation Psychiatric Claims

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