EMG/NCS
EMG stands for Electromyography and NCS stands for Nerve Conduction Study. These two studies are done together; but on occasions, the EMG portion is skipped depending on the diagnosis and the result of the NCS portion.
These two tests examine the integrity and function of your nerves to make sure there is no injury to the nerves from compression in the arms or legs (carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, pronator teres syndrome, tarsal tunnel, nerve laceration). These tests are also very useful to determine whether you may have a nerve injury from nerve compression in your neck or back from a slipped disc or from bony overgrowth.
Second Opinion
Once you receive your doctor's opinion about the diagnosis and treatment plan, you may want to get another doctor's advice before you begin treatment. This is known as getting a second opinion. You can do this by asking another specialist to review all of the materials related to your case. A second opinion can confirm or suggest modifications to your doctor's proposed treatment plan, provide reassurance that you have explored all of your options, and answer any questions you may have.
Getting a second opinion is done frequently, and most physicians welcome another doctor's views. In fact, your doctor may be able to recommend a specialist for this consultation. However, some people find it uncomfortable to request a second opinion. When discussing this issue with your doctor, it may be helpful to express satisfaction with your doctor's decision and care and to mention that you want your decision about treatment to be as thoroughly informed as possible. You may also wish to bring a family member along for support when asking for a second opinion. It is best to involve your doctor in the process of getting a second opinion, because your doctor will need to make your medical records (such as your test results and x-rays) available to the specialist.
Workers Compensation & Personal Injury Claims
Independent medical evaluations are provided upon request to medical, legal, governmental, and insurance professionals. Examples include:
- Personal injury claims
- Workers Compensation claims
IME's typically consist of a comprehensive medical and psychiatric record review and a face-to-face evaluation of the patient or client. Our practice is to provide a comprehensive written report by fax to the referring party within 5-15 business days (the time required may be longer in the case of extremely complex evaluations) of the completion of the evaluation. The evaluation is sufficiently comprehensive to serve as a basis for subsequent deposition testimony or courtroom testimony if required.
Professional making the referral need to provide an assignment letter setting forth the issues that are in dispute and that the report must address, since this will make the process more efficient.
All IME's are conducted in a respectful and impartial manner, and reports are provided in an objective fact-based manner. It is our view that clear and unbiased IME's benefit all parties. Quality IME's improve the efficiency of claims management and administration, and avoid unnecessary legal process and expense.