What should I do now that the Insurance Company has hired a Nurse Case Manager

Nurse case managers are brought into Virginia worker compensation claims in order to provide eyes and ears for the insurance company at the injured workers medical appointments. Over the years I have met some of the finest nurse case managers, who truly put the client’s well being before everything else. By and large, nurse case managers will try to help coordinate the care of the injured worker. But, like everything else in this world, there are some nurse case managers who are on the opposite end of the spectrum.

The key points to keep in mind is that the nurse case manager has no right to be present during your appointment with the doctor. If you ask the Nurse Case Manager to leave the examination room, they are obligated to leave. If the Nurse Case Manager wants to speak with the doctor, then that can be done at some other time, but not during your time with your doctor. Your doctor should conduct all conversations with the nurse case manager in your presence and you have the right to ask that this happens. If there are problems with the nurse case manager it is best to exclude them from the examination room and advise your doctor, and lawyer about the problems you are having.

The goal of any workers’ compensation claim is to get the injured worker back to work. BY having a nurse case manager involved in the case, the insurance company feels that it can advance that return to work date, and thereby save money. Aside from any money savings, it is imperative that you get sufficient time to heal, and your doctor can provide you with the necessary disability slips in that regard.