impairment rating/mmi

[leslie.arellano@yahoo.com]

i got injured september 2011. right-sided herniated disk at L5-S1 along with severe stenosis and impingement of right S1 nerve root.had surgery febuary 2012. have done about 6weeks of pt. still having pain and weakness to my back and right leg.its been about 4 months since my surgery and i saw a deignated doctor to determine an impairment rating/mmi. he said he wasnt going to give me an impairment rating because he dosnt think im at mmi yet. my question is when he determines mmi do i have to wait that long to be realeased from workmans comp or can i go back to work sooner if i want.and do i have to see him again for impariment rating or will he go by this exam for an impairment rating?

[hurt back]

(07-10-2012 03:03 PM)leslie.arellano@yahoo.com Wrote:  i got injured september 2011. right-sided herniated disk at L5-S1 along with severe stenosis and impingement of right S1 nerve root.had surgery febuary 2012. have done about 6weeks of pt. still having pain and weakness to my back and right leg.its been about 4 months since my surgery and i saw a deignated doctor to determine an impairment rating/mmi. he said he wasnt going to give me an impairment rating because he dosnt think im at mmi yet. my question is when he determines mmi do i have to wait that long to be realeased from workmans comp or can i go back to work sooner if i want.and do i have to see him again for impariment rating or will he go by this exam for an impairment rating?

My suggestion would be go with what the Dr. says.. If you are in pain , trying to work will be difficult ( in my opinion ). As far as the MMI, normally when the Dr. believes / tries all medical options available he will determine then you are at MMI...

I'm sure others will also chime in, but my suggestion is don't rush into anything to reinjure yourself. I have an L4-L5 herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, I'm in constant pain, with pain going down my left leg as well as weakness in the leg. I yesterday had my meeting with my nurse case manager. I would seek all medical options to ensure they've done all possible to ensure the best medical treatment was offered before I would worry a/b my MMI and returning to work.. That being said everyones pain is different and he / she may release you on light duty, you can always ask the Dr a/b that..

Good luck

[jayc123]

I know it sucks sitting around but don't push him into early release it could cause more damage than good. Depending on the surgery you had some docs won't put you at mmi untill a year after surgery. They've been in your back, you need more than four months, he definately doesn't want to be the one to reinjure you. Good luck.

[AQA]

Different states hence different rules. You did not state yours.

With that being said, You can go to work anytime you want. No one can stop you. The consequence to that action is that the IC can and will stop medical as well as monitary benifits. No one can force you to be compliant with with your drs. orders. However; the IC can close your claim for not being compliant.

The DD will need to see you again before he/she can determine that your are at mmi status, but there is an exception. Some states have a time frame for mmi status. Without knowing yours, no one can tell you if your state does have a time frame.

On a personal note. Read my signature. spinal injuries can be worse than we think.

[1171]

(07-10-2012 03:03 PM)leslie.arellano@yahoo.com Wrote:  i got injured september 2011. right-sided herniated disk at L5-S1 along with severe stenosis and impingement of right S1 nerve root.had surgery febuary 2012. have done about 6weeks of pt. still having pain and weakness to my back and right leg.its been about 4 months since my surgery and i saw a deignated doctor to determine an impairment rating/mmi. he said he wasnt going to give me an impairment rating because he dosnt think im at mmi yet. my question is when he determines mmi do i have to wait that long to be realeased from workmans comp or can i go back to work sooner if i want.and do i have to see him again for impariment rating or will he go by this exam for an impairment rating?

You can return to work at any time. Make sure you let your doctor and the carrier know. Your rating can be done anytime after you are at Mmi.
You should have a separate rating exam after you are Mmi.