WTF – Should Not Be the First Words an Attorney Says After Opening a File

By Dr. Scott Tauber, DC, DABCO, CPC

Personal Injury attorneys rely heavily on providers to be able to document, diagnose and case manage, so why is it that so many say WTF (Wish This File) after receiving a patient file?

In today's personal injury environment, simple tasks like documenting critical injuries, understanding common conditions, and employing a multidisciplinary approach shouldn't be challenging. And yet, they are.

As personal injury attorneys and paralegal staff prepare settlement demand packages, they meticulously review treating providers' records.

Often, they find themselves rescuing or salvaging cases due to providers' actions or even worse, inactions.

Critical injuries and diagnoses, such as spinal ligament instability (laxity or excessive motion) or mild traumatic brain injury, commonly result from motor vehicle crashes, but often go undiagnosed.

Clinical symptoms such as headaches, neck or lower back pain, weakness, stiffness, restricted range of motion, and radiating pain are prevalent, yet advanced diagnostics like Vertebral Motion Analysis® (VMA) are overlooked.
Many cases have available options to objectify subjective symptoms and complaints, but it is up to providers to do so, not the patient and certainly not an attorney.

Missing the opportunity to use technology such as VMA® can significantly decrease the possibility of successful case outcomes for all parties involved, except the insurance carrier, of course.

Appropriate diagnostics and superior clinical documentation are two of the foundational elements of personal injury success for all PI providers.

So, if "WTF" is to be spoken by an attorney, let it stand for "Wow, That’s Fantastic!" ─ a recognition of proper documentation, thorough diagnoses, appropriate and timely imaging and effective case management.

For more information about the VMA Tech and how it can help you provide better reporting to personal injury attorneys, schedule your demo here today.