A major concern is that treatment can go do far---losing credibility for the patient’s case.

Caring for patients is an art form. The doctor’s training, philosophy and techniques all are part of the patient’s program. When does “too much” become dysfunctional? Moreover, if care is “too much” is it contra-indicated and will the doctor ever get paid?

Some doctors simply "cut” off prematurely suffering patient. Somewhere there must be a happy medium.

Leave it to Dr. Gary Lewkovich to offer a rational approach that impacts every care specialist.

MMI is “generally considered the point at which the condition of an injured person has full stabilized.” No improvement can be expected with additional intervention.

MMI does not imply that future care is not required. After MMI the patient may be seen for significant flare-ups.

Lewkovich offers a comprehensive form, for free (!), to help the patient understand MMI and their own responsibilities. For a copy Contact Johntawlian@shawnsteel.com. For a copy contact johntawlian@shawnsteel.com

Has your patient suffered from Duragesic? Instead of receiving chiropractic they opted for a narcotic patch.

Duragesic, also known as Fentanyl or Transdermal, is a pain patch that is worn on the skin as a topical treatment. It is a narcotic analgesic. The purpose and effect of the patch is to allow the narcotic to be slowly absorbed through the skin at a constant rate for up to three days. The patches are manufactured and sold at different strengths and more than one patch may be prescribed to be worn at any one time.

The manufacturer of the patch, Janssen Pharmaceutica, has issued two separate recalls for defective Duragesic pain patches. The recalls were based on the fact that the patches leak the narcotic medication because of improper sealing of one of the edges which unfortunately can result in an overdose. As stated, the active ingredient in these patches is Fentanyl, a strong narcotic used for severe pain management. Fentanyl is a very strong narcotic pain killer.

Contact us at 800.626.0003 if you have any questions.

From the Oregon border to the Mexican. We examine any cases in California to see if we can substantially help your patient. Just give us a call or check our web site: shawnsteel.com

Edward Del Toro was driving his pickup when rear-ended by another pickup truck. Del Toro claimed he was struck at 25 mph. Defendant admitted liability.

Del Toro was treated by a DC, orthopedic surgeon, pain management specialist and underwent fusion surgery at T6.

Del Toro accumulated over $152,000 for past medical costs. He argued that his case was worth over $555,000. Defendant even offered its policy limits of $100.000.

The jury heard the case for 8 days and pondered the award for 4.5 hours. The jury awarded Del Toro $12,892.

Not only did an insurance neurosurgeon and a radiologist testify against Del Toro, but an accident reconstructionist and a PhD in biomechanics also testified that the accident was frivolous and not injury producing. The jury believed the biomechanicals.

The defendant’s costs exceeded the verdict. Del Toro agreed to take zero dollars, if he waived his right to appeal. Del Toro still owes $152,000 in medical expenses.

Del Toro vs. Franco—Sacramento Superior Court, Feb 9, 2012, 34/2010-00069054. Judge Judy Hersher presiding.