When You Need Surgery and the Work Comp Insurer Won’t Cover It

Jul 01 2016

It’s heart-wrenching when people come into our office and tell us that an insurer denied a procedure that their doctor recommended. Often, these procedures are the very things that will make their lives better. Insurance companies will do anything to save themselves money, or, as they see it, “manage costs.”

We used to defend Colorado workers’ comp insurance companies, so we have firsthand knowledge of insurance company tactics to deny surgeries. Today, we help injured people avoid or counteract those very tactics. We are passionate about this work because we care deeply about our clients and their futures. Arrange a free consultation with one of our work comp lawyers, Erika Alverson or Matt O’Brien, by calling 303-993-8882.

A Destructive Tactic: Independent Medical Examinations

When an insurance company learned that your doctor recommended surgery, it may have requested an independent medical examination (IME) by a doctor of its choosing. It did this because it wanted an opposing opinion to use to deny your surgery.

The insurance company doctors are not on your side. They are paid by — and receive referrals from — the insurance company. This can sway their opinion and prevent injured workers from getting the best medical care possible.

What Can You Do?

A denial is not the end of the road. Our attorneys can help you negotiate with the insurance company, fight the IME results before an administrative law judge or appeal the denial.

Are you at the beginning stages of your claim? Speak with us now to learn:

  • Whether you should use your health insurance for the surgery
  • How we can help you get the medical care you need to heal

Contact Alverson + O’Brien at our Denver law offices. We look forward to speaking with you.