The accuracy and validity of Life Care Plans are paramount in medical litigation, particularly in personal injury cases. These documents are essential in providing a projected roadmap of future medical needs and associated costs for individuals who have sustained severe injuries.
At MD Data, our team of Medical Direction Experts stands out in the meticulous evaluation of Life Care Plans and Medical Cost Projections. Our approach is not just about reviewing documents; it delves deeper into examining the recommendations given by our experts, inspecting the suggested frequency of care, and conducting a thorough cost analysis. This comprehensive method ensures that every aspect of the care plan is precise, accurate, and tailored to the individual’s needs.
The Importance of a Second Look
A crucial service we provide is Life Care Plan Reviews. Often regarded as a second review, this process critically assesses the future needs of the individual and their costs as outlined in the Life Care Plan. Our team meticulously examines whether the proposed items are reasonable and necessary and whether pre-existing conditions were adequately considered. We pride ourselves on maintaining consistent standards and methodology throughout our analysis, ensuring a robust and persuasive review.
Challenging Inflated Costs and Unnecessary Services
One common issue we address is the discrepancy in the projected costs. It’s not uncommon for initial Life Care Plans to include inflated costs or unnecessary estimates. Our team is skilled in identifying potential biases or failures to comply with current best practices, providing a more realistic view of the costs involved. Similarly, we challenge the necessity of specific medical treatments, therapies, or supportive services listed, primarily when they may not be essential for the individual’s condition.
Proposing Alternative, Evidence-based Recommendations
A key aspect of our reviews is the presentation of alternative treatments or services that we deem may be more appropriate for the injured individual. These recommendations are based on the insights from providers and are grounded in evidence-based treatment guidelines. By presenting viable alternatives, we ensure that the Life Care Plan aligns more closely with the individual’s needs and current medical consensus.
Ensuring Reliable Results through Consistent Methods
Inconsistencies or methodological flaws in the original Life Care Plan can severely undermine its credibility. We are adept at identifying such errors, challenging the methodology, and questioning any deviations from accepted practices in the field. We aim to ensure that every aspect of the plan is reliable, relevant, and can withstand judicial scrutiny.
Your Trusted Partner
At MD Data, we provide a medical-focused evaluation of existing Life Care Plans. We base our approach on current care patterns and evidence-based treatment guidelines, utilizing the knowledge of certified Life Care Planners. In the intricate field of medical litigation, partnering with MD Data guarantees a robust, persuasive case that covers all relevant aspects, aiming for the optimal result for your client.
Case Study: Spinal Cord Injury
Original Plan: The Life Care Plan accounted for pain management care, including routine ongoing chiropractic/massage therapy, physical therapy, regular epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency ablations, and the inclusion of a spinal cord stimulator.
Rebuttal: The defense challenged the need for invasive treatment options, including ongoing epidural steroid injections and the need for a spinal cord stimulator, claiming that conservative treatment options would suffice and dismissed the need for more invasive procedures in the future.
Outcome: Expert testimony from the life care planner and support of evidence-based research demonstrated the need for continued epidural steroid injections and the future need for a spinal cord stimulator. The final settlement ensured coverage for both the injection regimen and more advanced pain management options if necessary.
Ready to get started? Contact us today or email us directly at info@mddata.com.