ACOEM “GUIDELINES” ?
As Gary Lewkovich, DC predicted, the forced adoption by the California Worker’s Comp bill of the notorious ACEOM Guidelines [ACEOM] are now utilized in PI cases.
Lewkovich@aol.com
Beware of defense lawyers and adjusters who claim that the Guidelines allow only 30 days care for ‘neck’ injuries. In a recent case the jury agreed with defendant expert’s contention that the worker comp ‘standard’ ought to be used in the PI case. The defense doctor argued with the 600 page text in hand, that ACOEM Guidelines require juries to discount most chiropractic care.
Among the key points reviewed in the excellent study to be widely published are:
- ACOEM fails to use ICD-9 diagnostic codes;
- ACOEM does not grade severity of injury with sufficient specificity;
- ACOEM hostility to “passive” modalities is unscientific;
- ACOEM rates the use of NSAIDs are more useful than manipulation, but admit research shows chiropractic is more beneficial;
- Page 308 of ACOEM states that manipulation is “Not Recommended” beyond 4 weeks, but the study shows evidence on page 318 that manipulation is effective for low back complaints in the acute through chronic phase of case.
Drs. Lewkovich, Haneline, Mumbauer and Sackett are owed a great debt to shed light on their anti ACOEM paper. Contact us at
JohnTawlian@ShawnSteel.com or Dr. Lewkovich for a copy of the 8 page study. |
RX DRUGS MAY BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR PATIENTS
Dr David Graham is the most famous whistle blower in Washington DC. Dr. Graham testified that his agency, the FDA, is “incapable of protecting America” against dangerous pharmaceutical drugs, citing the
VIOXX painkiller scandal.
Trained at Johns Hopkins and Yale, Graham, has spent his entire professional life in the FDA’s Office of Drug Safety, which monitors reports of adverse events for approved medicines.
Long a rebel in the FDA, Graham has charged his agency with failure to scrutinize
ACCUTANE, an acne drug for massive deformities it can cause to newborns. He fought passionately for the withdrawal of
REZULIN, a diabetic drug made by Warner-Lambert for a toxic effect on the liver.
The news that VIOXX was pulled by Merck & Co on Sept 30 from the public is due to reports of an increase in heart attacks and strokes. Sales of the drug exceeded 2.5 billion in 2003. Sadly, an earlier study, in March of 2000 indicated an increase of cardiovascular events. Even the FDA issued a “Warning Letter” in Sept 2001 to Merck.
Practice Tip:
Pay extra attention to what drugs your patients may be taking. Potentially a time bomb is when a patient takes multiple drugs from multiple doctors.
Shawn speaking in Santa Monica CCA
Dec 16, Thurs @ 7:30 PM
17th Street Café: 1610 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica, CA
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