A recent report came across my desk where the provider attempted to assign an impairment rating for a flexion contracture of the knee, and the clinical records clearly showed the pathology objectified was an extension lag. Unfortunately, this is a mistake I see on occasion and can be a huge difference maker in the impairment rating assigned. Clearly, issues with the overall functionality of the knee can interfere with mobility,…
The Fastest Horse in the World A horse owner was selling the fastest horse in the world. “How do you make him run fast?” the buyer asked.“Say ‘Giddyup,’” the seller said. “He takes off like a bat out of hell.” The buyer responded, “How do you make him stop?”“You hit him over the head with a two-by-four.” was the reply. “Does that stop him?”“Nah,” the seller said. “But it gets…
During the course of the last week, I stumbled across three separate items that tend to ignite certain passions. In one case, I had to clarify a certain legal position which led me to discuss my three least favorite items, the lack of use of current evidence-based medicine, liberal construction and presumption. The Widening Gap: Evidence-Based Medicine in a Rapidly Changing World When I was in my clinical training, it was…
Even small payroll oversights can create major stress for injured workers. Latonya’s story shows how proactive communication can make all the difference. In workers’ compensation, it’s easy to get caught up in paperwork and procedures, but for injured workers, the experience runs much deeper. Beyond medical appointments and case files, real people are trying to rebuild their lives. Latonya is one of them. A meaningful light-duty assignment gave her more…
The Responsibility Behind the Technology As AI becomes more common in claims triage, the temptation is to treat it like a magic wand. Faster decisions, fewer delays, improved consistency — it all sounds promising. But in workers’ compensation, speed without accountability is dangerous. This article steps back from the tech and asks the harder questions. Are we using AI fairly? Are we auditing our systems for bias? Are we still…
Voice of the Provider is a collaboration between Brooks Rehabilitation and WorkCompCollege.com and the name defines its purpose. Many stakeholders in work comp do not understand or appreciate all of the various clinical providers that help an injured employee return to and stay at work. Whether recovery from the injury / illness is easy or hard, there are clinicians along the way that utilize their education, expertise and experience to…
Introduction: The Power of Faith in Recovery Whether rooted in spirituality, organized religion, or a personal belief system, faith offers profound comfort and resilience during life’s most challenging moments. Faith can be a transformative force for injured workers, fostering emotional strength and psychological well-being. Yet its role in recovery is often overlooked in the workers' compensation system, as claims administrators, physicians, and attorneys may hesitate to address spiritual concerns due…
Permanent Disability (PD) is a defined workers' compensation benefit and a critical medical and legal concept. It represents indemnity payments for lasting physical or psychological restrictions resulting from work-related injuries or illnesses. PD is central to the workers' compensation system, compensating for the loss of a body part (or its function) or the diminished ability to earn income after reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Despite its importance, the definitions and…
One of the very first lessons I learned in my clinical career was a quote from Dr. William Osler dating back to 1895. Dr. Osler was at the Johns Hopkins medical school and his quote is “Listen to your patient, he is telling you the diagnosis.” Another is “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” Medicine as Art and Science: The…
LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL - June 10, 2025: WorkCompCollege.com, the leading online education platform for workers' compensation professionals, and Workplace Health Magazine, the trusted bi-annual publication for workplace wellness and safety, today announced the launch of WC DOCWISE, an innovative AI-narrated training program specifically designed for medical provider offices managing workers' compensation patients. The WC DOCWISE certification program represents the first comprehensive educational solution tailored specifically for medical practices currently or…
